Lemuel Gulliver is the protagonist of the book and the person whose stories are being told. Gulliver is a typical, middle-class Englishman who has a passion for adventure and travel. However, his adventures always go somewhat awry, landing him in foreign, fantastical lands and somewhat harrowing circumstances. He does seem to learn from his adventures, helping the reader to experience similar lessons.
Golbasto Momaren Evlame Gurdilo Shefin Mully Ully Gue is the Emperor of Lilliput. He is noted for his difficulty making decisions and as an example of a person who supports another (Gulliver) only as long as that person agrees with him.
Redresal is The Lilliputian Principal Secretary of Private Affairs, who is Gulliver's friend. He proves to be very adept at rope dancing, one of the skills politicians in Lilliput need to have.
The Farmer captures Gulliver, treating him like a circus act. He works Gulliver nearly to death, putting him on display around the country.
Glumdalclitch is the farmer's daughter in Brobdingnag who acts as Gulliver's caretaker. This is not her name, but the name Gulliver gives her, which means "nurse."
The King and Queen of Brobdingnag are gentle and intellectual. The King in particular is an example of a thoughtful, rational person who is interested in learning about Gulliver's land.
The King of Laputa is the King of the floating island. He is only interested in what information he can glean from mathematics and from music.
Lord Munodi is the Governor of Lagadoon the lower island of Balnibarbi. He is the practical, common-sense realist on an island full of people only interested in what seems theoretically the best option.
The Struldbruggs are an immortal race on Balnibarbi. They continue to age but don't die and Gulliver learns that their immortality is not the joyful miracle that it seems to be.
The Grey Horse is a member of the Houyhnhnm race who is Gulliver's master, protector, and teacher. His protection and influence changes the way Gulliver sees his own race.
The Yahoos are the humanoid-looking creatures that are the true animals in the Country of the Houyhnhnms.