Francis Macomber
Francis Macomber possesses enough wealth to afford a private, guided hunting expedition in Africa. He is a man whose bravery is questionable, preferring to shoot from the car rather than stalk his prey on foot. His humiliation from being cuckolded drives him to a reckless act of bravery, ultimately revealing his wife's lack of faith in him. His marriage to Margot is far from happy, but as Hemingway notes, “Macomber had too much money for Margot ever to leave him.” After fleeing from a wounded lion, his wife sleeps with their guide, Robert Wilson. Hemingway’s observation that Macomber “was dressed in the same sort of safari clothes that Wilson wore except that his were new” highlights the fundamental difference between the two men. Wilson embodies the hunter that Macomber only pretends to be and, in Margot's eyes, a true man. Macomber attempts to redeem himself by facing a charging buffalo, but just as he takes aim, he is shot by his wife.

Margaret Macomber
Margaret Macomber’s affection for her husband is highly questionable. She appears far more interested in flirting with their guide, Robert Wilson, than in supporting her husband. She is brazenly unapologetic about her affair with Wilson and even taunts her husband with it. Hemingway describes her as “an extremely handsome and well-kept woman.” The term “well-kept” is particularly telling with its multiple connotations. Margot is stylish and maintains a polished appearance. Additionally, she is “kept” by her husband in a life of luxury. Ironically, she is not “well-kept” by her husband in terms of fidelity, as she openly commits adultery. Her marriage to Francis is clearly unhappy, but, as Hemingway writes, “Margot was too beautiful for Macomber to divorce her.” She is critical, abrasive, and petulant. She shoots and kills her husband just as he stands his ground in a moment of danger, leaving the reader to ponder whether her final act stems from love or pity, or from hatred and disdain. That Margot is spoiled is certain, but whether she is a cold-blooded murderer has been debated by critics for decades.

Margot
See Margaret Macomber

Robert Wilson
Robert Wilson serves as the guide for the Macombers during their hunting trip, a man Hemingway describes as “the white hunter.” Two of his most notable characteristics are conveyed through his “very red face and extremely cold blue eyes.” His red face reflects his bold and sanguine nature, sunburned from constant exposure to the elements. He remains focused, calm, and analytical, even when confronting the extreme dangers of the hunt. When Macomber injures a lion but fails to kill it, Wilson insists they venture into the brush to finish the job, despite the peril of tracking a wounded and thus more dangerous lion. He embodies the manhood that Francis Macomber lacks but that Margaret Macomber craves. After Wilson sleeps with Margaret and realizes that Francis is aware of the affair, he thinks, “Let him keep her where she belongs. It’s his own fault.” Despite his disdain for his employer, he still accepts Macomber’s money. Wilson's role is to provide Macomber with the illusion of being a great sportsman, a master over nature like himself. However, it is Wilson who truly controls the hunt, a fact underscored by his unique ability to communicate with the Macombers in their own language.