Dune

Main Characters and Their Development

• Paul Atreides — the young heir of House Atreides, who becomes the emperor of the universe and the Maadi, the messiah of the Fremen, by the end of the story.
• Lady Jessica — Paul's mother, a member of the Bene Gesserit order. Throughout the events of the book, she becomes the Sayyadina, a spiritual leader of the Fremen.
• Baron Vladimir Harkonnen — the main antagonist of the story, a cunning and ruthless ruler of House Harkonnen.
• Duke Leto Atreides — Paul's father, the ruler of House Atreides, a wise and just leader who falls in the battle for control of Arrakis.
• Chani — a young Fremen woman who becomes Paul's love and his wife according to Fremen traditions.
• Gurney Halleck — a loyal warrior and friend of the Atreides family, a master of ballads and the baliset, and Paul's fencing teacher.
• Duncan Idaho — a friend and protector of the Atreides family, one of the most skilled and respected warriors.
• Thufir Hawat — mentor and teacher to Paul, a master of espionage and strategy for House Atreides.