Heart of Darkness (1902) by Joseph Conrad tells the story of a journey up the Congo River in Africa and explores themes of colonialism, civilization, and the darkness within humanity.
The main characters are:
- Charlie Marlow: The principal storyteller, Marlow, recounts his experiences as a riverboat captain in the Congo to a group of seafarers on the River Thames in London.
- Mr. Kurtz: An agent of the Company who has become powerful and enigmatic. Marlow is tasked with finding Kurtz, who is rumored to be ill and whose methods have become questionable.
- Other characters: The story also involves other characters such as members of Marlow’s crew, the Africans who have come under Kurtz’s sway, and people from Kurtz’s past, such as his fiancée. However, the narrative often portrays these characters through stereotypes, particularly the African people.