Stranger in a Strange Land has more than its fair share of characters and here are some of the most important.
Valentine Michael Smith
A human born on Mars and raised by Starfish Aliens who first encountered humans after going to Earth 25 Terran years later.
- The Ace: Mike easily masters almost everything he sets his mind to extremely quickly.
- Author Avatar: Downplayed in relation to several other characters but Mike is often used as Heinlein’s mouthpiece for criticism of organized religion.
- Bizarre Alien Psychology: Thanks to having been raised by Martians, Mike doesn’t grok things the way humans do, at least at first.
- Character Development: Mike starts off quite naïve about humans but changes over time.
- Conveniently an Orphan: Born of an affair between astronauts that led to them killing each other and adopted by aliens. The result is that he’s legally heir to Mars.
- Church of Happyology: Unbuilt trope inasmuch as the Church of the New World that Mike creates wasn’t based on Scientology but is still extremely similar to it and is ultimately revealed to be right.
- Crystal Dragon Jesus: Is this.
- Dying Moment of Awesome: When he reiterates his catchphrase while being stoned to death for its blasphemy.
- Only Known By His Nickname: Is normally called Mike by the other characters
- Tragic Hero: He dies to preach his teachings.
- Touched by Vorlons: The source of his power is being raised by Martians.
Gillian Boardman
A nurse who rescues Mike and becomes his main love interest.
- Hospital Hottie: She’s a nurse who works at a hospital when she’s introduced.
- Love Interest: She’s one for Mike.
- Only Known By Her Nickname: Everyone calls her Jill
- Polyamory: As High Priestess of Mike’s cult.
- Women Are Wiser: Downplayed but she is very much a mentor to Mike when he’s learning to be human.
Dr. Jubal Harshaw
Ambiguously Jewish: He has a Hebrew first name and references synagogues and Bar Mitzvahs but it’s not clear that he wasn’t simply showcasing his knowledge of world religions.
- Agnosticism: He has no idea which religion, if any, is the right one and explicitly acknowledges that.
- Author Avatar: Is often a mouthpiece for Heinlein’s views.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer} He’s eccentric and a successful lawyer.
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Designated Hero: Accuses Lot and Elisha from The Bible of being this. - Grumpy Old Man: Characterizes himself as such.
- What Have I Done: Blames himself and his influence on Mike for Mike’s eventual death which he regards as a senseless sacrifice.
