Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Character Analysis

Rick Deckard

Rick Deckard works as a bounty hunter for the San Francisco Police Department in a world devastated by nuclear war. His primary task involves locating and “retiring” rogue androids. Rick is a complex figure, defined… read analysis of Rick Deckard

John Isidore

John Isidore, classified as a “special” due to genetic damage from radiation exposure, occupies a marginalized position in society. He lives alone in a crumbling building and works as a driver for an electric animal… read analysis of John Isidore

Rachael Rosen

Rachael Rosen claims she is Eldon Rosen’s niece when she first meets Rick. However, it quickly becomes clear that she is an android, though one that was perhaps modeled after a real human… read analysis of Rachael Rosen

Iran Deckard

Iran Deckard, Rick’s wife, emerges as one of the most emotionally aware characters in the novel. She spends much of her time using the mood organ, a device that allows her to choose… read analysis of Iran Deckard

Wilbur Mercer

Wilbur Mercer is the enigmatic and messianic figurehead of Mercerism. Although the image people associate with Mercer was played by an actor, Mercer’s influence runs deep enough that certain characters see him in real… read analysis of Wilbur Mercer

Eldon Rosen

Eldon Rosen is the owner of the Rosen company. Although he pretends to be helpful when Rick comes to see him, he has no interest in aiding the police. Instead, he speaks to the police… read analysis of Eldon Rosen

Minor Characters

Max Polokov/Sandor Kadalyi

Max Polokov is the first android Rick is tasked with hunting down. Max is clever and manages to wound Dave Holden and almost outfox Rick by disguising himself as Sandor Kadalyi, a Soviet W.P.O. officer.

Phil Resch

Phil Resch is a bounty hunter working under Inspector Garland. He has an identity crisis when Garland and Luft try to convince him that he, too, is an escaped android. Unlike Rick, he seems to enjoy the violence inherent in his job.

Pris Stratton

Pris Stratton is an escaped android, who is the mirror image of Rachael Rosen. She takes advantage of John’s low intelligence and compassion so he will take care of her and is generally manipulative and violent.

Buster Friendly

Buster Friendly is an android talk show host who is openly opposed to Mercerism. Near the end of the novel, he presents an exposé on Mercer, exposing him as a fraud.

Harry Bryant

Harry Bryant heads up Rick’s department. He often deliberately withholds information and pressures Rick into going beyond the moral limits Rick tries to establish for himself.

Dave Holden

Dave Holden is a bounty hunter who works under Harry Bryant. Max Polokov wounds him at the start of the novel.

Roy Baty

Roy Baty is the leader of the escaped androids Rick is hunting. He is willing to do whatever needs to be done to maintain his freedom.

Inspector Garland

Inspector Garland runs a fake police department filled mostly with androids. He is one of the escaped androids Rick is hunting.

Luba Luft

Luba Luft is Rick’s second target. She is a crafty android with an appreciation for art and a beautiful singing voice.

Bill Barbour

Bill Barbour is Rick’s neighbor. Rick is jealous because Bill owns a pregnant horse.

Irmgard Baty

Irmgard Baty is an escaped android and Roy Baty’s romantic partner.

Mrs. Pilsen

Mrs. Pilsen is one of John’s clients. Her real cat dies, and she decides to replace him with a fake one.

Groucho

Groucho is Rick’s real sheep that died. Rick replaced him with the electric sheep.

Hannibal Sloat

Hannibal Sloat is John’s boss.

Milt Borogrove

Milt Borogrove is a technician who works with John.

Officer Crams

Officer Crams arrests Rick and brings him to Inspector Garland.

Ann Marsten

Ann Marsten is Rick’s secretary.