Main Characters:
Santiago is an old fisherman who is the main character in this story. Going eighty four days without a catch, Santiago embarks on a journey initially to prove himself as a fisherman but later discovers that it was not the material possessions but rather the experience gained.
- Round character-> changed throughout the story: initially set off to prove himself but later found that it only mattered that he knew the great things he did and that he was safe in the end.
- Dynamic
- Protagonist
The marlin is an eighteen-foot blueish billfish who is hooked onto Santiago's fishing line but fights against Santiago until its death.
- Flat character
- Static
- Antagonist
Side Characters:
Manolin is a little boy who is the apprentice of Santiago. Due to Santiago's lack of catches, Manolin was forced to become an apprentice of other ships; however, he remained loyal to Santiago by helping in whatever way he could (getting Santiago food or helping Santiago carry supplies and cargo). Even in the end, Manolin worried for Santiago's safety and even made a promise to become Santiago's apprentice once more.
- Flat character-> remained the same: a caring little boy who stays with Santiago from start to finish
- Static character
Martin- Owner of the Terrance (restaurant) and gives Manolin food to give to Santiago
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character
Rogelio- villager who helps Santiago with his luggage, such as his fishing net
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character
Perico- Perico provides support, aid, and newspapers about baseball to Santiago. Perico also owns a bodega in Santiago's village. -Static and Flat character
Pedrico- Another fisherman in the village who looks after
Santiago's gear for him. Later on in the story, Pedrico receives whatever was
left of the marline: the head.
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character
Mako-
A mackerel shark known for its rows of large, sharp teeth. This shark is
also known to be very violent when near prey.
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character
Shovel-nosed sharks- The scavenger sharks that destroyed the marlin.
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character
Joe DiMaggio- The person that Santiago looks up to and worships. Joe DiMaggio
was a baseball player in the mid-19th century for the New York
Yankees.
- Static and Flat character
- Static and Flat character