Top 10 Best H.P. Lovecraft Characters

Randolph Carter Randolph Carter is a recurring character in Lovecraft's stories, often serving as a stand-in for the author himself. He appears in tales such as "The Statement of Randolph Carter" and "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath." Carter is portrayed as a mystic and dreamer who explores otherworldly realms through dreams and occult means.

Nyarlathotep Nyarlathotep is an Outer God in Lovecraft's mythos who serves as a messenger for other cosmic entities. Unlike most deities in the mythos, Nyarlathotep actively interacts with humanity, often causing chaos and madness. He is described as having a thousand forms, each suited to different cultures and purposes.

Cthulhu Cthulhu is a Great Old One introduced in Lovecraft's short story "The Call of Cthulhu." It lies dormant beneath the Pacific Ocean in the sunken city of R'lyeh. Cthulhu is associated with themes of cosmic indifference and is characterized by its monstrous appearance combining octopus, dragon, and humanoid features.

Henry Armitage Henry Armitage is the chief librarian of the Miskatonic University library in "The Dunwich Horror." He is a scholar of the occult who plays a critical role in confronting the monstrous offspring of Yog-Sothoth. Armitage is depicted as a learned and courageous figure who successfully thwarts the threat to humanity.

Abdul Alhazred Abdul Alhazred is the fictional author of the "Necronomicon," a central grimoire in Lovecraft's mythos. He is described as a mad Arab who composed the book in the 8th century. Little direct detail is given about his life beyond references to his madness and mysterious death.

Hastur Hastur is a cosmic entity whose role and nature evolved through various interpretations by Lovecraft and others. Originally referenced by Ambrose Bierce and expanded by Lovecraft and August Derleth, Hastur is sometimes portrayed as a god associated with madness and decay. Specific details about Hastur's physical appearance and full nature are often left vague.

Yog-Sothoth Yog-Sothoth is described as a cosmic entity embodying all of time and space in Lovecraft's writings. It is said to be "coterminous with all time and space yet locked outside the universe." Yog-Sothoth plays key roles in stories such as "The Dunwich Horror" and "The Horror in the Museum."

Harley Warren Harley Warren is a character in "The Statement of Randolph Carter," depicted as a scholar of forbidden knowledge. He persuades Carter to accompany him to a cemetery where he investigates a crypt rumored to hold arcane secrets. Warren ultimately meets an unseen and horrifying fate underground.

Herbert West

Lavinia Whateley

The Newcomers

? Wilbur Whateley

? Shub-Niggurath Shub-Niggurath is often referred to as "The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young" in Lovecraft's mythos. It is associated with fertility, monstrous birth, and chaotic life forces. Shub-Niggurath is frequently mentioned in invocations and rituals but rarely described in full detail.

The Contenders

Azathoth Azathoth is a blind, idiotic cosmic entity at the center of the universe, according to Lovecraft's mythos. It is constantly surrounded by a chaotic flurry of mindless dancers and flautists. Azathoth represents the ultimate symbol of cosmic chaos and the insignificance of all existence.