"The Stolen Bacillus" by H. G. Wells
The primary characters in H. G. Wells's short story, "The Stolen Bacillus," are largely referred to by their roles or titles, rather than full names, emphasizing their function in the narrative. The major characters are: 1. The Bacteriologist The protagonist and a scientist working in a London laboratory. He is presented as somewhat eccentric, absent-minded, and easily flattered. His vanity leads him to boast to his visitor, which is the catalyst for the entire plot. He is a master of his scientific field but appears careless about the practical danger of his work, which serves as a subtle critique of detached Victorian science. He is the source of the comedic resolution. In his eagerness to impress the visitor, he falsely claims the stolen tube contains a deadly cholera germ (Vibrio cholerae), when it actually contains a harmless new species of bacterium that only causes blue patches on monkeys. 2. The Anarchist (The Visitor / The Pale Man) The ant...