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The main character in Never Let Me Go is Kathy H. The reader is never told her surname and perhaps this is an indication that the cloned students are denied a full identity and not given surnames but merely letters in order to differentiate one particular student in Hailsham from another with the same name. When the novel begins Kathy is 31 years old and has been a carer for almost 12 years. Kathy is also the narrator of the novel and the reader sees the events that happen from her perspective. Kathy narrates her memories from when she was a student at Hailsham school in great detail and so it is possible to tell just how important her time at Hailsham actually was.

Ruth is one of Kathy’s closest friends, although there are times when Ruth can be unkind and manipulative especially towards Kathy. Ruth is even cruel to Tommy, with whom she later begins a relationship. Ruth has a strong personality and exercises considerable control over her peers at Hailsham. However, as she grows older and matures, it is possible to see how she lacks confidence and is simply desperate to ‘fit in’ and be accepted. She finds it difficult to face what the future has in store for her. After many years of doing all she can to prevent Kathy and Tommy having a relationship, she ultimately tries to help them find some happiness together.

Tommy is also a student from Hailsham school. He suffers because he lacks artistic ability and the other students tease him about this. He finds it difficult to control his temper and has tantrums which often leads to further teasing. Kathy tries to help Tommy control his emotions. When one of the Hailsham guardians, Miss Lucy, tells Tommy that he shouldn’t care about his lack of artistic ability, he begins to feel better. However, when she later tells him that she should not have said this, he becomes depressed once again.

Main Characters

• Kathy H.
• Ruth.
• Tommy.

Secondary Characters

• Miss Lucy.
• Miss Emily.
• Madame.