Martin Eden

Main Characters and Their Development

• Martin Eden: The protagonist, a young sailor from the working class who strives for self-improvement for the sake of love and recognition in the intellectual society. He becomes a successful writer but gradually becomes disillusioned with recognition and love, as they turn out to be not what he sought.
• Ruth Morse: A girl from a bourgeois family, Martin's beloved, who inspires him to change his life and pursue literary creativity. Her love is mutual, but over time Martin realizes that Ruth loved not him, but the image he represented.
• Herbert Spencer: The ideas of this philosopher have a strong influence on Martin and his worldview. Although Spencer is not a character in the book in the literal sense, his theories play a key role in Martin's development.
• Joe Dawson: Martin's best friend, embodies the honesty and simplicity of the working class. Supports him in the most challenging moments of life.
• Maria Silva: The owner of a simple boarding house, a kind-hearted woman with maternal feelings towards Martin. She demonstrates the importance of support and care on the path to self-realization.