Sphere (novel) - Main Characters

Main Characters

Norman Johnson — Norman is the protagonist of the story and is probably the most important in terms of story revelation. Despite physically being the least fit to be in the underwater habitat, he is arguably the most level-headed of the group, though even he exhibits moments of irrationality. Nonetheless, Norman is usually working to make everyone get along with one another. Norman often wonders why he was called down into an underwater habitat where he seems to have very little impact, despite occasionally butting heads with the others about why it was important to have a psychologist on the team.

Harry Adams — Harry is a young, intelligent mathematician. However, he is also very arrogant, unsympathetic, disdainful, and often uncooperative with the others. Harry tends to be the most thought-provoking character in the story, often mentioning concepts that encourage readers to think about certain issues (some which remain solely within the context of the story and some which do not). While very secure intellectually, Harry tends to be lacking emotionally due to his isolation. Harry was a genuine mathematical prodigy growing up and living in ghettos. He was often picked on as a child because of his lack of athletic talent.

Theodore Fielding — Though good-natured, Ted is portrayed as an annoyingly enthusiastic opportunist. His pretentiousness tends to inhibit his relationships with the others, despite his good intentions. It is revealed later that his annoying nature is due to his drive to do something that will make him famous, and the reality that (in his eyes) the time for him to do that is running out.

Elizabeth Halpern — Beth is both gentle and caring while at the same time fierce, combative, and confrontational. Being the only female scientist, she sees herself being dominated by the male scientists — though some of these times only in her mind. As evidenced later, she is arguably the most out of touch with her emotions. It may have been indicated that Beth did not rid herself of the power, as during the novel, she used the power to gain beauty. In the end, Norman compliments Beth, saying that he just realized how beautiful she was.

Harold Barnes — Harold (Hal) is the one in charge of the underwater scientific investigation. Given that he's more of a military man than a scientific one, his interests tend to conflict with the other main characters. His manner is usually brusque, impatient, and distrustful. He also has a tendency to withhold crucial information from his crew and follow his own hidden agenda at their expense.

Tina Chan — Tina is a female Navy crew member that is also in the habitat. She develops somewhat of a strong relationship with Beth throughout the book. She survives for most of the book, but is killed when the giant squid manifested by Harry attacks the habitat.

Tod Fletcher — The Navy engineer in charge of maintaining the habitat. A heavily built woman, she is friendly, and despite Norman's initial skepticism, extremely competent.