1. The Mississippi River: The river is the central setting of the novel and serves as a metaphor for Huck's journey of self-discovery. It is a symbol of freedom, adventure, and danger.
2. Jim: Jim is an escaped slave who becomes Huck's traveling companion. He is a complex and compassionate character who challenges Huck's racist views. Jim is a symbol of friendship, loyalty, and the power of redemption.
3. Huck Finn: Huck is the novel's protagonist and narrator. He is a young boy who is forced to confront the harsh realities of the antebellum South. Huck is a symbol of innocence, curiosity, and moral growth.
4. Pap Finn: Pap is Huck's abusive father. He is a violent and ignorant man who represents the worst of Southern society. Pap is a symbol of cruelty, neglect, and the destructive effects of alcohol.
5. The Widow Douglas: The Widow Douglas is a kind and gentle woman who tries to raise Huck as a proper Christian boy. She represents the forces of civilization and morality that Huck is trying to escape. The Widow Douglas is a symbol of love, kindness, and the power of education.