Lincoln in the Bardo

Main Characters and Their Development

• Abraham Lincoln - The U.S. President who is deeply affected by the death of his son, Willie. His grief and attempts to cope with the loss are central to the book. Lincoln visits the cemetery where his son is buried, and his interactions with the spirits in the bardo help him realize his role and responsibility as a national leader.
• Willie Lincoln - The son of Abraham Lincoln, who dies at the age of 11. His spirit finds itself in the bardo, an intermediate state between life and death. Willie does not understand that he is dead, and his journey involves accepting his death and moving on to the afterlife.
• Hans Vollman - One of the spirits residing in the bardo. He was a printer in life and died in an accident. Hans helps Willie understand that he is dead, and his journey involves coming to terms with his own situation and accepting the inevitable transition.
• Roger Bevins III - Another spirit in the bardo, who took his own life due to unrequited love. He has the ability to see beauty in small things and helps Willie and other spirits realize the importance of accepting their death. His journey involves overcoming his own grief and aiding others.
• Elizabeth Keckley - The spirit of a woman who lost her child and cannot come to terms with his death. She becomes an important figure for Willie, helping him understand and accept his situation. Her journey involves accepting her loss and finding peace.