Moses E. Herzog
The protagonist and namesake of the novel, whose name Bellow borrowed from a minor character in James Joyce's Ulysses. Herzog is a womanizing, self-loathing, idealistic, and scholarly man in his mid-forties, enduring a difficult second divorce and a resulting depression. The story is told from inside of Moses' head; one might say the book is not so much about Herzog as it is Herzog.
Daisy
Moses' first wife, Jewish and traditional. We come to understand that her fastidious and conservative nature was incompatible with Moses' chaotic personality; thus the marriage fell apart. Mother of Marco.
Madeleine
Moses' insane second wife, maniacally protective of her autonomy. Traumatized by her weak mother and abusive father, she demands more of Moses than he can give and subsequently ends the marriage. Mother of June.
Valentine Gersbach
Moses' best friend and only neighbor in Ludeyville. Crippled yet dashing, Valentine inspires Moses' resentment for his sociability. Has affair with Madeline and proves a better match for her than Moses.
Phoebe
Valentine's nurse-like and oblivious wife. Defends Valentine against Moses' accusations to the last.
Ramona
The most important of all Moses' mistresses. Argentinian, beautiful and sexual, Ramona offers Moses oasis from his traumatic state.
June
Moses' daughter, loves Moses and Valentine simultaneously. Gives Moses reason to reclaim his identity as a father.
Marco
Moses' son, distant from his father and away at camp throughout the book. Moses feels that Marco blames him for his divorces.
Jonah Herzog
Moses' father, bootlegger, failed at many things he attempted but appears to have worked hard. Threatened Moses with a gun toward the time of his death. Scolded by Aunt Zipporah.
Mother Herzog
Jewish mother, takes good care of her family and insists that they be educated.
Taube
Jonah's second wife, outlives Jonah in his old house, the "survivor." Slow and deliberate, contrasts with the rest of Moses' family.
Shura
Moses' wealthy, realist brother, affluent businessman. Financially generous. Moses believes Shura "despises everyone."
Will
Moses' other brother, also financially generous. Bails Moses out of jail at the end and worries for his sanity.
Helen
Moses' sister, never appears but is said to also worry for his sanity.
Zipporah
Jonah's sister, powerful, "militant," rough on Jonah.
Nachman
Moses' childhood friend, with whom he stayed in Paris.
Lucas Asphalter
Moses' childhood friend; tells Moses about Madeleine's affair with Valentine.
Dr. Edvig
Moses' psychiatrist who questions Moses' sanity. In self defense Moses accuses him of having a crush on Madeleine and siding with her. Considered Moses' enemy throughout the novel.
Sandor Himmelstein
Moses' ex-divorce lawyer who gives ave Moses a place to stay after the divorce and grows furious with Moses' self pity. Direct and passionate; comforts Moses but also confronts him. Moses believes him to also side with Madeleine.
Simpkin
Moses' divorce lawyer through whom Moses intends to negotiate for custody of June. According to Moses, a "Reality Instructor."
