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Characters

Genly Ai: Protagonist. Envoy, a osrt of amnassador, for the Ekumen, an aliance of planets, the most powerful of which is Hain. Genly is a black man from Earth. He comes to convince the people of Gethen to join the Ekumen. He is filled ih the sexist ideas instilled in current culture, such as viewing women as weak and submissive. Originally, he is very uncomfortable with the lack of gender of the Gethenians, but ultimately recognizes them as fellow human beings.

Therem Harth rem ir Estraven-- The prime minister of Karhide, who is thrown out of power for befriending Ai. He is exiled , but finds his way to the neighboring counry, Orgoreyn. Therem is androgynous, as are all Gethenians. He helps Genly to escape after he is captured in Orgreyn. On this journey, the two develop a love for one another.

King Argaven XV-- King of Karhide, thought mad by most. He has little respect, but his decrees must be obeyed. He has little trust for his administration and consequently the office the prime minister is replaced almost every year.

Tibe-- Political enemy of Estraven and Ai. He convinces Argaven to exile Estraven and appoint him Prime Minister. He opposes Ai's mission and attempts to perpetuate the conflict between Karhide and Orgata.He is in league with the Sarf Faction of the Orgota government.

Faxe--head foreteller who befriends Ai.

Ashe--Therem's former kemmering

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