Vandyck (Van) Jennings

Vandyck (Van) Jennings is a young sociologist and the thoughtful chronicler of the Herlandean adventures. As both a scientist and linguist, he embodies open-mindedness and objectivity, which allows him to navigate and interpret the women-only society with a clear perspective. Among the three explorers, Van is the most rational and level-headed, enabling him to observe their surroundings more effectively than his companions. He is eager to immerse himself in the language and culture of Herland, accepting the guidance of his tutor, Somel, with enthusiasm. His relationship with Ellador transitions from a friendly camaraderie to profound love. Although their views on marriage differ, Van’s respect for Ellador’s individuality contributes to their successful partnership. He sees himself as a middle ground between his fellow explorers, describing himself as neither "a gay Lothario like Terry, nor a Galahad like Jeff." This balance allows him to approach Herland with a reasoned outlook, ultimately defining a model of masculinity enriched by his experiences in Herland.

Ellador

Ellador, hailing from Herland, is a logical, intelligent, and robust individual, reflecting Herland’s ideals of compassion, tenderness, and a reverence for motherhood. As Van’s companion, friend, and eventual wife, Ellador’s naive yet insightful questions about the outside world illuminate the stark contrasts between Herland and other societies. Her firm belief that sexual activity should be for procreation only leads her to tactfully deflect Van’s desires through a strong bond of comradeship. She stands as Van’s intellectual equal, engaging in dialogues about their respective worlds, critiquing his society while advocating for the strengths of her own. Throughout their interactions, Ellador demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of both her world and the complexities of the society Van represents.

Terry O. Nicholson

Terry O. Nicholson, a wealthy pilot, is brimming with eagerness to explore and overly confident in his charismatic allure. He struggles to accept a society devoid of men where women thrive as equals. Terry’s traditional expectations of women lead to frustration when confined by the Herlandians, culminating in a failed escape attempt that ends in his humiliation upon recapture. His suave demeanor and belief in masculine dominance result in a turbulent marriage with Alima. Terry’s misguided attempt to assert control over Alima sexually culminates in their divorce and his expulsion from Herland. Despite these experiences, Terry’s view of women remains largely unchanged, as he continues to perceive them as objects of desire, failing to internalize the lessons Herland provides.

Jeff Margrave

Jeff Margrave, the gentle and courteous young doctor, is fascinated by the wonders of science. In stark contrast to Terry, Jeff embraces romanticism and idealism in his view of women, seeing them as angelic and deserving of protection. Enthralled by Herland’s culture, Jeff soon believes in its superiority over his own. His devotion to Celis reflects his acceptance of women as idealized beings. When informed that sexual relations with their wives are limited to reproduction, Jeff is content, as it aligns with his perception of women as untouchable spirits. However, despite his respectfulness, Jeff’s romanticized view denies his wife’s autonomy and individuality, as he fails to comprehend women as dynamic individuals with personal agency.

Alima

Alima, a dark-eyed beauty and forester in Herland, is characterized by strength, pride, and a provocatively independent spirit. Her courtship with Terry is fraught with conflict, reflective of their fiery and assertive personalities. Alima’s curiosity and adventurous nature initially attract her to Terry, but their relationship becomes stormy, marked by frequent disputes. The marriage ends disastrously due to Terry’s violent behavior, underscoring the tension between Alima’s independence and Terry’s antiquated perceptions of gender roles.

Celis

Celis, another young forester in Herland, is...