John Carter

John “Jack” Carter is a Confederate captain from Virginia who, after the Civil War, heads west with good friend and fellow officer James Powell to mine for gold. John is transported to Mars after taking refuge in a strange tomb-like cave to escape Apache Indians. John, ever adventurous and willing to push boundaries, takes his arrival on Mars not with fear but curiosity. As such, he comes to live among the Martians, meets and falls in love with Dejah, then spends the majority of the novel working to win her love, save her, and free her. John ultimately marries Dejah, and spends the next nine years of his life with her on Mars until he is transported back to Earth.

Dejah Thoris

Dejah Thoris is the titular Martian Princess. Of the Heliumite people, Dejah is physically and emotionally beautiful in addition to being extraordinarily intelligent, traditional, and...