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Louis de Pointe du Lac

The narrator and protagonist, a French Creole vampire who recounts his life story to a young interviewer. Louis was once a wealthy plantation owner in 18th-century Louisiana, but at age 25, he was turned into a vampire by Lestat. He is introspective and haunted by the ethical and existential consequences of living as a vampire. He refuses to be violent and chooses to drink the blood of animals, rather than humans, to stay alive. During his long centuries roaming the earth, Louis searches for meaning and companionship, unable to ever fully leave behind his human past.

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Lestat

Louis’s sire and long-time vampire companion who manipulates Louis through charm and cruelty. Since Lestat hates showing any sign of weakness, he masks his insecurity through arrogance and thrives on his control over others. Though he pretends not to care about mortal concerns, his deepest fear is being abandoned and alone.

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Claudia

A five-year-old orphan sired by Lestat and raised as a “daughter” by both him and Louis. She is clever, manipulative, and tormented by the fact that even though she is intellectually and emotionally mature, she is eternally trapped in a child’s body. Craving independence, she grows increasingly resentful and angry toward Lestat for turning her into a vampire, robbing her of a normal life, and forcing her to live under his control. Though fiercely loyal to Louis, she ultimately rebels against them both.

The Interviewer

A young  interviewer to whom Louis tells his life story. Although his real name is never revealed, he is referred to as “the boy.” This doesn’t mean that he’s a literal child (although compared to the centuries-old Louis, he’s still in his infancy) but rather a young adult, likely in his 20s. Throughout Louis’s interview, the boy is both frightened and enthralled by Louis’s life story.  

Armand

An ancient vampire with mind control powers and the leader of the Théâtre des Vampires in Paris. He becomes infatuated with Louis and seeks to replace Claudia as Louis’s companion. His presence marks a turning point in Louis’s journey.

Madeleine

A Parisian doll maker who is sired by Louis to become Claudia’s protector. 

Santiago

A theatrical and cruel vampire in the Théâtre des Vampires.

Paul de Pointe du Lac

Louis’s devoutly religious younger brother who experiences visions. Louis builds him a private oratory where he can live and pray in solitude.

Babbette Freniere

Freniere’s younger sister and the overseer of the sugar plantation. She and her sisters live near Louis’s estate. She is smart and independent, and with Louis’ encouragement, she takes over the plantation after her brother dies.

Freniere

The young heir to the Freniere sugar plantation.

Emily 

Morgan’s wife, who arrives with him at the inn in Varna. Like the other villagers, she is fearful of the monster that lives beyond the monastery ruins. 

Denis

The young boy offered to Louis as a potential victim. Armand observes Louis’s reluctance to feed on Denis. 

Daniel

A trusted house slave who is appointed by Louis as the new overseer of Pointe du Lac plantation.

Lestat’s Father / The Old Man

A blind, aging man who lives in isolation and is bullied by his son, Lestat.

Estelle

Another member of the Théâtre des Vampires. 

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