The Lathe of Heaven Character Analysis

George Orr

George Orr is the novel’s protagonist. He’s a 30-year-old draftsman who’d be completely ordinary, were it not for his extraordinary ability to have “effective” dreams—dreams that change reality. Orr resents his ability, however, and… read analysis of George Orr

Dr. William Haber

Dr. William Haber is the psychiatrist assigned to treat George Orr. Haber begins as an ambitious but underrecognized sleep researcher, but this changes when he hypnotizes Orr into dreaming of realities that improve Haber’s… read analysis of Dr. William Haber

Heather Lelache

Heather Lelache is the lawyer George Orr contacts to end his sessions with Dr. William Haber. Though Haber’s important status prevents Heather from interfering with Orr’s treatment, she and Orr develop feelings for each… read analysis of Heather Lelache

Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe

Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe is an Aldebaranian Alien. Like all Aldebaranians, Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe is completely encased in a big, clunky, turtle-like suit that enables him to breathe the Earth’s air. The turtle suits are equipped… read analysis of Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe

E’nememen Asfah

E’nememen Asfah is an Aldebaranian Alien who invites Orr to sleep at his apartment after Orr saves the world from Haber’s effective nightmare. Just before Orr drifts off to sleep, he and Asfah… read analysis of E’nememen Asfah

Aunt Ethel

Aunt Ethel is Orr’s aunt who came to live with Orr and his family when he was 17, during which time she sexually harassed him. During Orr’s first session with Haber, he recalls… read analysis of Aunt Ethel

Minor Characters

Mannie Ahrens

Mannie Ahrens is the manager of George Orr’s building. Orr borrows Mannie’s phonograph to listen to the Beatles record he receives as a gift from Tiua’k Ennbe Ennbe.

The medic

The medic resuscitates Orr after he suffers a drug overdose in the beginning of the novel.

Penny Crouch

Penny Crouch is Dr. William Haber’s receptionist.

Heather’s husband

Heather’s husband died in the war in the Near East. Heather’s realization that she has two conflicting memories of her husband’s death is what leads her to accept the existence of alternate realities and believe in the power of Orr’s effective dreams.

Albert M. Merdle

Albert M. Merdle is the President of the United States.