The Firemen:
* Guy Montag: The protagonist, initially a dedicated fireman who burns books. Throughout the story, he begins to question his role and ultimately rebels against the system.
* Captain Beatty: The fire chief and Montag's superior, a complex character who embodies the system's ideology. He is knowledgeable about literature but chooses to suppress it.
* Other Firemen: They are unquestioning and obedient, carrying out their orders without hesitation.
The Book People:
* Clarisse McClellan: A young, free-spirited girl who awakens Montag's curiosity and desire for knowledge. She represents the values of individuality and critical thinking.
* Professor Faber: A retired English professor who lives in secret and encourages Montag to resist the system. He represents the importance of knowledge and critical thinking.
* The Book People: A group of individuals who live outside the city and have preserved books. They represent the power of knowledge and the importance of preserving culture.
The Citizens:
* Mildred Montag: Montag's wife, who represents the emptiness and shallowness of the society. She is obsessed with television and lacks any intellectual curiosity.
* The Neighbors: They are generally apathetic and uninterested in anything beyond their own immediate needs. They are content with mindless entertainment and lack any sense of community.
* The "Happy" People: They are the ones who conform to the system and find contentment in their superficial lives. They represent the dangers of conformity and the suppression of individuality.
Other Notable Characters:
* The Hound: A mechanical dog that represents the technological surveillance and control of the society.
* The "Earphones" People: People who are constantly listening to radio programs and are disconnected from the real world.
* The "Wall" TV: A large, interactive screen that provides constant entertainment and propaganda.
In essence, the people in *Fahrenheit 451* are divided into those who conform to the system and those who resist it. The novel explores the dangers of censorship, the importance of knowledge, and the power of individual choice in a society where conformity and shallowness are valued above all else.