Simon Herzog

Simon Herzog is a young, left-leaning, lecturer in semiology at Vincennes, in Paris. He is requisitioned against his will by police superintendent Jacques Bayard as a guide or interpreter in 20th century intellectual life. As the novel progresses, Simon matures and becomes more confident. He forms romantic relationships with an Italian student named Bianca and a Russian agent named Anastasia.

As Simon gets deeper into the investigation, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea that he is in a novel. This concern both trips him up and empowers him. Towards the end of the novel, he becomes a prodigy in the Logos Club, moving quickly up the ranks with a series of spectacular victories. One of his opponents cuts off his hand, leaving him mutilated. Simon develops great rhetorical skill, and ultimately has the ability to influence people and events.

Jacques Bayard

Jacques Bayard is a right-leaning...