Red Harvest

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Continental Op – the main character and detective working for the Continental Agency. He arrives in Personville to investigate corruption and crime. During his investigation, he encounters various criminal elements and manipulates them to achieve his goals. The Op demonstrates an ability to adapt to complex situations and use them to his advantage.
• Elihu Willsson – the owner of a newspaper in Personville who hires the Continental Op to investigate corruption. However, shortly after the Op's arrival, Willsson is murdered, which becomes a catalyst for the subsequent events in the book.
• Donald Willsson – Elihu Willsson's son, who is also involved in the town's criminal activities. He tries to control the situation after his father's death, but his weakness and inability to handle problems lead to his demise.
• Max Thaler – one of the main gangsters in Personville, who controls part of the town's underworld. He becomes one of the targets for the Continental Op's manipulations.
• Pete – the corrupt police chief who works for the gangsters and is involved in criminal schemes. His actions and connections with criminal elements make him a key figure in the investigation.
• Dinah Brand – a woman involved in the town's romantic and criminal intrigues. She plays an important role in the plot's development and interacts with several key characters.