Secondary Characters in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Trillian (Tricia McMillan)
Trillian serves as an interesting counterpoint to Arthur Dent's bewilderment throughout the narrative. As the only other human survivor from Earth, she represents a stark contrast to Arthur's perpetual state of confusion.
"She was a girl that Arthur had once met at a party in Islington and whom he totally failed to get off with."Note
Trillian's character demonstrates how differently humans can adapt to the bizarre nature of the galaxy - while Arthur stumbles through space in his bathrobe, she thrives as a spaceship operator.
Slartibartfast
The planetary architect from Magrathea provides some of the most profound commentary on the nature of the universe while maintaining the book's signature absurdist tone.
"My name is Slartibartfast." "I beg your pardon?" "Slartibartfast," he repeated. Arthur cleared his throat. "I'm sorry," he said, "could you just repeat that?"Tip
Pay attention to Slartibartfast's explanations about Earth being a computer program - they're crucial to understanding the larger themes of the novel.
Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz
The bureaucratic Vogon captain represents the mindless adherence to rules and regulations that Adams frequently satirizes.
Common MistakeDon't dismiss the Vogons as merely comic relief - their poetry and bureaucratic nature serve as important commentary on institutional inefficiency.
Deep Thought
Though not a traditional character, this supercomputer plays a pivotal role in the story's exploration of existence and meaning.
