Kaspar Almayer

Kaspar Almayer is an ineffectual Dutch trader residing in Malaya. His overarching dream is to secure substantial wealth from a clandestine gold mine and relocate with his daughter, Nina, to Amsterdam. Despite his efforts, Almayer's quest for the gold mine ends in failure. His fortunes deteriorate further when he is abandoned by his wife, and he faces the heartbreak of his daughter's elopement with a Malay. Isolated and succumbing to opium addiction, Almayer spends his final days in solitude, residing in an unfinished dwelling known as Almayer’s Folly.

Mrs. Almayer

Mrs. Almayer, a native of Malaya, becomes increasingly disdainful of her husband, Kaspar, who squanders the thriving enterprise bequeathed to her by her adoptive father, Captain Lingard. Holding deep resentment towards Almayer and all white men, she harbors a strong desire for her daughter to embrace her Malay heritage. Following Nina's marriage, Mrs. Almayer returns to her own community, seeking solace among her people.

Captain Lingard

Captain Lingard is a successful trader who deeply influences the lives of those in his circle. He adopts Mrs. Almayer during her childhood and designates her as his heir, shaping her destiny and indirectly affecting the life paths of Kaspar Almayer and his family.

Nina

Nina, the daughter of Kaspar and Mrs. Almayer, is a young woman of mixed heritage, educated with European customs. She returns to her childhood settlement after experiencing discrimination in Singapore due to her racial background. Despite her allure to white men, Nina chooses to marry Dain Maroola, a decision that assures her of maintaining her dignity and self-worth. Her marriage signifies a connection to her roots and a clear departure from the European lifestyle her father envisioned for her.

Dain Maroola

Dain Maroola, a noble Malay, captivates Nina with his charm and strength. As the son of a rajah, he holds considerable esteem among his people. His union with Nina represents not just a marriage of love, but also an alliance that empowers her to embrace her cultural identity fully.

Lakamba

Lakamba is the Rajah of Sambir and stands as a formidable adversary to Almayer. He extends his friendship to Dain Maroola, offering protection when the latter becomes ensnared in conflict with Dutch authorities. Eventually, Lakamba assumes the role of Mrs. Almayer's protector, further entrenching his position of influence.

Babalatchi

Babalatchi is the principal aide to Lakamba, the Rajah of Sambir. His loyalty and service to Lakamba establish him as a key figure within the power dynamics of the region, contributing to the political and social maneuverings that shape the lives of those around him.