The Third Man

Main Characters and Their Development

• Rollo Martins - the main character, a writer of cheap westerns, who comes to Vienna at the invitation of his friend Harry Lime. As the plot unfolds, he confronts the reality of post-war Vienna and uncovers the mystery surrounding Lime. Martins evolves from a naive and trusting individual to a more mature and informed person, aware of moral dilemmas and the complexity of human nature.
• Harry Lime - a mysterious and charismatic friend of Martins, who is revealed to be involved in criminal activities. His character is developed through the memories and stories of other characters, as well as through his own actions, which reveal his amorality and manipulativeness. Lime symbolizes the moral decay and cynicism of post-war society.
• Anna Schmidt - an actress and Harry Lime's lover, who becomes entangled in his criminal dealings. She experiences an internal conflict between her love for Lime and the realization of his true nature. Anna represents a tragic figure, whose loyalty and feelings lead to personal drama.
• Major Calloway - a British officer investigating Lime's activities. He represents the voice of reason and justice, striving to uncover the truth and hold the guilty accountable. Calloway plays a crucial role in exposing Lime's crimes and helps Martins come to terms with the reality of the situation.