Gorean Books Top Characters

A book by book guide to the principal characters in John Norman’s Gor series

The Gor novels contain a large and often recurring cast. This guide identifies the top characters in each book, explains who they are and what they do, records important aliases or titles, and notes connections to other books. It is arranged as a blog article, with one clearly labeled section for every volume.

The lists focus on the people who drive each story: narrators, protagonists, major allies, antagonists, rulers, and important companions. They are not intended to include every person named in the novels.

Books 1 through 13  Building the World of Gor

1  Tarnsman of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Talena of Ar  Alias or title: Talena; later Ubara of Ar.  Daughter of Marlenus of Ar, Tarl’s early love and Free Companion, and later a politically important Ubara of Ar.  Also important in Tarnsman, Hunters, Players, and Magicians.

• Marlenus of Ar  Alias or title: Ubar of Ubars.  The formidable Ubar of Ar, father of Talena, and one of the series’ most important rulers and military leaders.  Also appears prominently in Tarnsman, Assassin, Captive, and Hunters.

• Pa-Kur  Alias or title: Master Assassin and war leader.  A Master Assassin and war leader whose campaigns threaten Ar and shape some of the earliest conflicts in the series.  Important in Tarnsman and Assassin, with later connections to Ar’s conflicts.

• Torm  Torm: Scribe who helps introduce Tarl to Gorean learning.

• Kazrak  Kazrak and Sana: allies whose story illustrates companionship, caste, and loyalty.

• Sana  Kazrak and Sana: allies whose story illustrates companionship, caste, and loyalty.

Connections to other books: Tarl, Talena, and Marlenus recur widely; Torm returns in later references; Pa-Kur becomes important again in Assassin and later Ar-related plots.

2  Outlaw of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lara, Tatrix of Tharna  Alias or title: Lara; Tatrix is her ruling title.  Lara rules Tharna as Tatrix before the city’s social order changes.

• Andreas of Tor  Andreas is an ally associated with the revolt.

• Dorna the Proud  Dorna is a proud Free Woman whose fate illustrates Tharna’s upheaval.

Connections to other books: Tarl recurs throughout the series; Lara and the Tharna cast are chiefly associated with this book.

3  Priest-Kings of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Misk  A Priest-King who allies with Tarl during the conflict inside the Nest.  Important in Priest-Kings and later references to the Priest-King conflict.

• Sarm  Sarm is Misk’s rival in the Nest conflict.

• Vika of Treve  Vika is a human woman in the Nest.

• Mul-Al-Ka  Mul-Al-Ka and Mul-Ba-Ta are human attendants/allies.

• Mul-Ba-Ta  Mul-Al-Ka and Mul-Ba-Ta are human attendants/allies.

• Matthew Cabot  Matthew is Tarl’s father and an important link between Earth, Gor, and the Priest-Kings.  Appears in Priest-Kings and is referenced in the wider Cabot history.

Connections to other books: Misk and Matthew Cabot matter again in the wider Priest-King/Kur storyline; Tarl remains the principal recurring hero.

4  Nomads of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Kamchak  Kamchak is a powerful Tuchuk warrior and eventual leader.

• Elizabeth Cardwell  Alias or title: Vella.  An Earth woman brought to Gor who becomes deeply involved in Tarl’s adventures among the Wagon Peoples, in Ar, and in the northern forests.  Also appears in Nomads, Assassin, and Hunters.

• Harold of the Tuchuks  Alias or title: Harold; styled “of the Tuchuks”.  Harold supplies comic relief but also proves unexpectedly capable.

• Saphrar  Saphrar is a wealthy merchant and adversary.

• Kutaituchik  Kutaituchik is the Tuchuk Ubar.

Connections to other books: Tarl and Elizabeth/Vella recur; Kamchak and Harold remain notable series figures and are referenced later.

5  Assassin of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Cernus  Cernus is a powerful slaver tied to conspiracy.

• Mip  Mip is a mysterious ally.

• Ho-Tu  Ho-Tu is an important man within the House.

• Elizabeth Cardwell  Alias or title: Vella.  An Earth woman brought to Gor who becomes deeply involved in Tarl’s adventures among the Wagon Peoples, in Ar, and in the northern forests.  Also appears in Nomads, Assassin, and Hunters.

• Marlenus  The formidable Ubar of Ar, father of Talena, and one of the series’ most important rulers and military leaders.  Also appears prominently in Tarnsman, Assassin, Captive, and Hunters.

• Pa-Kur  Alias or title: Master Assassin and war leader.  A Master Assassin and war leader whose campaigns threaten Ar and shape some of the earliest conflicts in the series.  Important in Tarnsman and Assassin, with later connections to Ar’s conflicts.

Connections to other books: Tarl, Elizabeth, Marlenus, and Pa-Kur connect this book to Tarnsman and later Ar novels.

6  Raiders of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Surbus  Surbus is a pirate captain.

• Chenbar  Chenbar is Ubar of Tyros and a major enemy.

• Telima  Telima is closely tied to Tarl during his Port Kar transformation.

• Fish  Fish is a young ally.

Connections to other books: Bosk is Tarl’s lasting Port Kar identity. Samos becomes one of the series’ most important recurring allies.

7  Captive of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Elinor Brinton

• Elinor Brinton  Elinor, an Earth woman, is brought to Gor and narrates her enslavement and training.

• Ute  Ute and Inge are fellow captives.

• Inge  Ute and Inge are fellow captives.

• Rask of Treve  Rask is a raider of Treve.

• Verna  The capable leader of a band of Panther Girls in the northern forests.  Also appears in Captive and Hunters.

• Marlenus of Ar  Alias or title: Ubar of Ubars.  The formidable Ubar of Ar, father of Talena, and one of the series’ most important rulers and military leaders.  Also appears prominently in Tarnsman, Assassin, Captive, and Hunters.

Connections to other books: Verna and Marlenus continue into Hunters; Elinor, Ute, Inge, and Rask are principally associated with this volume.

8  Hunters of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Talena  Alias or title: Talena of Ar; later Ubara of Ar.  Daughter of Marlenus of Ar, Tarl’s early love and Free Companion, and later a politically important Ubara of Ar.  Also important in Tarnsman, Hunters, Players, and Magicians.

• Verna  The capable leader of a band of Panther Girls in the northern forests.  Also appears in Captive and Hunters.

• Marlenus of Ar  Alias or title: Ubar of Ubars.  The formidable Ubar of Ar, father of Talena, and one of the series’ most important rulers and military leaders.  Also appears prominently in Tarnsman, Assassin, Captive, and Hunters.

• Rim  Rim and Arn are allies in the expedition.

• Arn  Rim and Arn are allies in the expedition.

• Elizabeth Cardwell  Alias or title: Vella.  An Earth woman brought to Gor who becomes deeply involved in Tarl’s adventures among the Wagon Peoples, in Ar, and in the northern forests.  Also appears in Nomads, Assassin, and Hunters.

Connections to other books: Directly continues characters and conflicts from Captive; Tarl, Talena, Marlenus, and Elizabeth recur elsewhere.

9  Marauders of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Ivar Forkbeard  Ivar is a charismatic raider and major ally.

• Svein Blue Tooth  Svein and Jarl Blue Tooth are central to northern leadership and conflict.

• Jarl Blue Tooth  Svein and Jarl Blue Tooth are central to northern leadership and conflict.

• Hilda the Haughty  Alias or title: Hilda.  Hilda is a proud Free Woman whose changing status is important to the story.

Connections to other books: Tarl recurs; the principal Torvaldsland cast is mainly concentrated in this book, though the region and Kur conflict return in references.

10  Tribesmen of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Suleiman of Nine Wells  Suleiman is a powerful pasha.

• Hassan  Hassan and Shakar are significant desert allies/figures.

• Shakar  Hassan and Shakar are significant desert allies/figures.

• Tarna  Tarna is a bandit leader central to the political plot.

Connections to other books: Tarl and Samos recur broadly; the Tahari cast is chiefly associated with this novel.

11  Slave Girl of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Judy Thornton

• Judy Thornton  Judy, an Earth woman, narrates her capture, enslavement, and passage through rural and urban Gorean life.

• Clitus Vitellius  Clitus Vitellius and Drusus Rencius are among the men who shape her ownership, danger, and eventual story.

• Drusus Rencius  Clitus Vitellius and Drusus Rencius are among the men who shape her ownership, danger, and eventual story.

Connections to other books: The principal cast is largely confined to this standalone viewpoint novel.

12  Beasts of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Zarendargar  Zarendargar is a formidable Kur.

• Imnak  Imnak is a Red Hunter and guide/ally.

• Ram  Ram and Sarpelius are important in the expedition and contest.

• Sarpelius  Ram and Sarpelius are important in the expedition and contest.

Connections to other books: Tarl and Samos recur; Zarendargar connects to the larger Kur storyline; Imnak is chiefly associated with the polar adventure.

13  Explorers of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Shaba  Shaba is an explorer/cartographer.

• Bila Huruma  Bila Huruma is a powerful inland ruler.

• Kisu  Kisu and Ayari are significant allies in the river and jungle conflicts.

• Ayari  Kisu and Ayari are significant allies in the river and jungle conflicts.

Connections to other books: Tarl and Samos recur; Shaba remains notable in Gorean exploration lore; most of the inland cast belongs chiefly to this volume.

 

Books 14 through 25  Politics War and New Viewpoints

14  Fighting Slave of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Jason Marshall

• Jason Marshall  Alias or title: described by changing roles as a fighting slave, rogue, and guardsman.  An Earth man brought to Gor who passes through slavery and fighter training before becoming a free and capable Gorean fighting man.  Protagonist of Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Beverly Henderson  An Earth woman whose relationship with Jason provides the emotional center of his three-book story.  Appears throughout the Jason trilogy: Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Lady Florence of Vonda  Florence is a wealthy Free Woman of Vonda.

• Miles of Vonda  Miles is a Warrior linked to Vonda and Jason’s development.  Appears in the Jason/Vonda arc.

Connections to other books: Jason and Beverly continue through Rogue and Guardsman; Florence and Miles are important to the Vonda portion of the arc.

15  Rogue of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Jason Marshall

• Jason Marshall  Alias or title: described by changing roles as a fighting slave, rogue, and guardsman.  An Earth man brought to Gor who passes through slavery and fighter training before becoming a free and capable Gorean fighting man.  Protagonist of Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Beverly Henderson  An Earth woman whose relationship with Jason provides the emotional center of his three-book story.  Appears throughout the Jason trilogy: Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Policrates  Policrates is a pirate leader.

• Callimachus  Callimachus is a renowned military figure.  Important in Rogue and Guardsman.

• Miles of Vonda  Miles remains tied to Jason’s Gorean loyalties.  Appears in the Jason/Vonda arc.

Connections to other books: Jason, Beverly, and Callimachus continue into Guardsman; the novel is the middle of the Jason trilogy.

16  Guardsman of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Jason Marshall

• Jason Marshall  Alias or title: described by changing roles as a fighting slave, rogue, and guardsman.  An Earth man brought to Gor who passes through slavery and fighter training before becoming a free and capable Gorean fighting man.  Protagonist of Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Beverly Henderson  An Earth woman whose relationship with Jason provides the emotional center of his three-book story.  Appears throughout the Jason trilogy: Fighting Slave, Rogue, and Guardsman.

• Callimachus  Callimachus provides military leadership.  Important in Rogue and Guardsman.

• Miles of Vonda  Miles embodies Jason’s ties to Gorean comradeship and honor.  Appears in the Jason/Vonda arc.

Connections to other books: Concludes the principal Jason/Beverly arc begun in Fighting Slave and continued in Rogue.

17  Savages of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Cuwignaka  Alias or title: name associated with “One Who Wears the Dress”.  A Kaiila warrior who becomes Tarl’s close friend, guide, and blood brother in the Barrens.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

• Hci  Hci is another important tribal figure.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

• Grunt  Grunt is a trader familiar with the frontier.

• Mahpiyasapa  Mahpiyasapa is a powerful Kaiila leader.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

Connections to other books: The same core Barrens cast continues directly into Blood Brothers.

18  Blood Brothers of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Cuwignaka  Alias or title: name associated with “One Who Wears the Dress”.  A Kaiila warrior who becomes Tarl’s close friend, guide, and blood brother in the Barrens.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

• Hci  Hci and Mahpiyasapa are important allies/leaders.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

• Mahpiyasapa  Hci and Mahpiyasapa are important allies/leaders.  Appears in Savages and Blood Brothers.

• Kog  Kog is a Kur enemy.

• Iwoso  Iwoso and Bloketu are significant women within the tribal conflict.

• Bloketu  Iwoso and Bloketu are significant women within the tribal conflict.

Connections to other books: Direct continuation of Savages; Kog connects the Barrens conflict to the Kur storyline.

19  Kajira of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tiffany Collins

• Tiffany Collins  Tiffany, an Earth woman, is installed in a dangerous political deception and narrates her fall into Gorean slavery.

• Sheila of Corcyrus  Sheila is the true ruler/claimant associated with Corcyrus.

• Aemilianus  Aemilianus and Drusus are important to the city’s government and military-political struggle.

• Drusus Rencius  Aemilianus and Drusus are important to the city’s government and military-political struggle.

Connections to other books: Drusus Rencius is also associated with Slave Girl; most Corcyrus characters are concentrated here.

20  Players of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Boots Tarsk-Bit  Alias or title: Boots.  The leader of a traveling troupe, a comic performer, and a clever magician whose skills later aid the resistance in Ar.  Appears in Players and Magicians.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Talena  Alias or title: Talena of Ar; later Ubara of Ar.  Daughter of Marlenus of Ar, Tarl’s early love and Free Companion, and later a politically important Ubara of Ar.  Also important in Tarnsman, Hunters, Players, and Magicians.

• Lecchio  Lecchio is associated with the troupe.

Connections to other books: Tarl, Samos, and Talena recur; Boots returns memorably in Magicians.

21  Mercenaries of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Samos  A slaver and Captain of Port Kar who becomes one of Tarl’s closest allies and an important agent of the Priest-Kings.  Recurring ally in Raiders, Tribesmen, Beasts, Explorers, Players, and Mercenaries.

• Dietrich of Tarnburg  Dietrich is a famed mercenary captain and military innovator.

• Marcus of Ar’s Station  Alias or title: Marcus.  A proud young Warrior of Ar’s Station who becomes Tarl’s companion during the Cos–Ar war.  Appears in Mercenaries, Renegades, Vagabonds, and Magicians.

• Lady Florence of Vonda  Florence reappears from the Jason arc.

Connections to other books: Marcus continues through Renegades, Vagabonds, and Magicians; Dietrich is important in the Cos–Ar war arc.

22  Dancer of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Doreen Williamson

• Doreen Williamson  Doreen, an Earth librarian, narrates her abduction, training, and life as a Gorean dancer.

• Teibar  Teibar is the man who first awakens and captures her.

• Mirus  Mirus and Hendow are important owners/masters in her movement through tavern and dance culture.

• Hendow  Mirus and Hendow are important owners/masters in her movement through tavern and dance culture.

Connections to other books: The viewpoint and principal supporting cast are largely confined to this volume.

23  Renegades of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Marcus of Ar’s Station  Alias or title: Marcus.  A proud young Warrior of Ar’s Station who becomes Tarl’s companion during the Cos–Ar war.  Appears in Mercenaries, Renegades, Vagabonds, and Magicians.

• Lady Temione  Temione and the inn-associated cast illuminate travel, law, and daily life.

• Aulus  A principal character or character group whose actions materially affect the events of this book.

• Borton  A principal character or character group whose actions materially affect the events of this book.

Connections to other books: Marcus continues into Vagabonds and Magicians; Renegades begins the tight three-book continuation of the war arc.

24  Vagabonds of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Marcus of Ar’s Station  Alias or title: Marcus.  A proud young Warrior of Ar’s Station who becomes Tarl’s companion during the Cos–Ar war.  Appears in Mercenaries, Renegades, Vagabonds, and Magicians.

• Ephialtes  Ephialtes is tied to the betrayal and military disaster.

• Ar’s defeated soldiers  The remnants of Ar’s betrayed army; collectively they show military collapse, survival, and renewed honor.

• Cosian commanders  Military opponents in the Cos–Ar war and the disaster surrounding Ar’s army.

Connections to other books: Directly continues Renegades and leads into Magicians; Marcus remains a major companion.

25  Magicians of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Talena  Alias or title: Talena of Ar; later Ubara of Ar.  Daughter of Marlenus of Ar, Tarl’s early love and Free Companion, and later a politically important Ubara of Ar.  Also important in Tarnsman, Hunters, Players, and Magicians.

• Marcus of Ar’s Station  Alias or title: Marcus.  A proud young Warrior of Ar’s Station who becomes Tarl’s companion during the Cos–Ar war.  Appears in Mercenaries, Renegades, Vagabonds, and Magicians.

• Boots Tarsk-Bit  Alias or title: Boots.  The leader of a traveling troupe, a comic performer, and a clever magician whose skills later aid the resistance in Ar.  Appears in Players and Magicians.

• Gnieus Lelius  Gnieus Lelius represents Ar’s older civic leadership.

Connections to other books: Concludes the major Cos–Ar war sequence; Tarl, Talena, Marcus, and Boots all connect earlier novels to this climax.

 

Books 26 through 38  Later Gor

26  Witness of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Janice

• Janice  Janice, an Earth woman enslaved in the Voltai region, narrates events after Ar’s war.

• Lord Grendel  Alias or title: Grendel.  A Kur whose conduct and loyalties challenge the assumption that every Kur is simply a brutal enemy.  Appears in Witness and Kur.

• Lady Constanzia  Constanzia is a high-status woman central to the household/political setting.

• Peisistratus  Peisistratus is an important human authority figure.

Connections to other books: Grendel and the Kur material connect this novel to the wider Kur storyline; most human household characters are chiefly associated with Witness.

27  Prize of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Ellen

• Ellen  Ellen, a middle-aged Earth woman, narrates her abduction, training, sale, and adjustment to Gorean bondage.

• Mirus  Mirus and other masters/trainers shape her education.

• Selius Arconious  Selius and Portus are important to the commercial and personal networks through which she passes.

• Portus Canio  Selius and Portus are important to the commercial and personal networks through which she passes.

Connections to other books: Primarily a standalone viewpoint novel; some institutions and secondary figures echo other slavery-centered books.

28  Kur of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Unnamed Kur narrator

• Unnamed Kur  Alias or title: the unnamed Kur narrator.  An unnamed Kur narrates, giving the series its most sustained nonhuman viewpoint.

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lord Grendel  Alias or title: Grendel.  A Kur whose conduct and loyalties challenge the assumption that every Kur is simply a brutal enemy.  Appears in Witness and Kur.

• Agamemnon  Agamemnon is tied to Kur power and the Steel Worlds conflict.

• Cabot-related allies  The human and nonhuman allies involved in Tarl’s part of the Steel Worlds conflict.

Connections to other books: Tarl and Grendel connect this book with Witness and later Kur-centered developments; the conflict reaches beyond Gor itself.

29  Swordsmen of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lord Nishida  Alias or title: Nishida.  A powerful Pani lord and the principal eastern patron and ally connected with Tarl’s mission.  Central to the Pani arc in Swordsmen, Mariners, Smugglers, and Rebels.

• Tajima  Tajima and Sumomo are important within the Pani household and factional struggle.

• Sumomo  Tajima and Sumomo are important within the Pani household and factional struggle.

• Pani retainers and rivals  The household warriors, followers, and political opponents who shape the eastern conflict.

Connections to other books: Begins the eastern/Pani arc continued in Mariners, Smugglers, and Rebels.

30  Mariners of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: A Gorean mariner (principal narrator)

• The mariner narrator  The viewpoint shifts substantially to a Gorean mariner during the sea voyage and eastern war.

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lord Nishida  Alias or title: Nishida.  A powerful Pani lord and the principal eastern patron and ally connected with Tarl’s mission.  Central to the Pani arc in Swordsmen, Mariners, Smugglers, and Rebels.

• Pani officers  Leaders and fighting men who help carry the naval expedition and eastern campaign.

• shipboard allies  Sailors and companions whose loyalty keeps the long voyage and campaign moving.

Connections to other books: Direct continuation of Swordsmen; the eastern cast proceeds into Smugglers and Rebels.

31  Conspirators of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Allison Ashton-Baker

• Allison Ashton-Baker  Allison, an Earth woman, narrates her abduction and enslavement amid conspiracy in and around Ar.

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• masters and conspirators of Ar  Household and political figures who draw Allison into postwar intrigue in Ar.

Connections to other books: Allison’s story and associated trafficking/conspiracy threads lead into portions of Smugglers.

32  Smugglers of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Margaret Alyssa Cameron; a Scribe; a merchant/slaver

• Margaret Alyssa Cameron  A principal character or character group whose actions materially affect the events of this book.

• the Scribe narrator  One of Smugglers’ three viewpoint characters, showing events through a Scribe’s work and observations.

• the merchant/slaver narrator  One of Smugglers’ three viewpoint characters, connecting trade, shipping, and slavery.

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lord Nishida  Alias or title: Nishida.  A powerful Pani lord and the principal eastern patron and ally connected with Tarl’s mission.  Central to the Pani arc in Swordsmen, Mariners, Smugglers, and Rebels.

Connections to other books: Links Conspirators to the Pani sequence; continues characters and events from Swordsmen and Mariners and leads toward Rebels.

33  Rebels of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Lord Nishida  Alias or title: Nishida.  A powerful Pani lord and the principal eastern patron and ally connected with Tarl’s mission.  Central to the Pani arc in Swordsmen, Mariners, Smugglers, and Rebels.

• Pani rebels, retainers, and rival lords  The competing eastern factions whose loyalties and rivalries drive the rebellion.

Connections to other books: Concludes the main Pani arc begun in Swordsmen and continued through Mariners and Smugglers.

34  Plunder of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Phyllis Robertson

• Phyllis Robertson  Phyllis, an Earth woman, narrates her capture and passage into Gorean slavery during a story shaped by raiding, plunder, and changing ownership.

• captors, trainers, owners, and raiders  The people who control Phyllis’s changing circumstances during capture, training, and plunder.

Connections to other books: Largely a standalone female-viewpoint novel; no major recurring supporting cast is reliably indexed in general references.

35  Quarry of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Margaret Henderson

• Margaret Henderson  Margaret, an Earth woman, becomes the hunted “quarry” in a dangerous Gorean contest.

• hunters and captors  The people pursuing Margaret as the quarry and seeking control over her fate.

• Gorean allies and pursuers  Those who aid, capture, or continue the pursuit of Margaret.

Connections to other books: Primarily standalone; the narrator should not be confused with Beverly Henderson from the Jason trilogy.

36  Avengers of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• defenders and survivors of Daphna  The islanders whose losses and survival give rise to the campaign of vengeance.

• raiders and avengers  The attackers and retaliating force at the center of the conflict surrounding Daphna.

Connections to other books: Returns to Tarl as narrator after several alternate-viewpoint novels; chiefly a self-contained island conflict.

37  Warriors of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Tarl Cabot

• Tarl Cabot  Alias or title: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor; Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor.  An Earth-born professor who discovers his Gorean heritage and becomes a Warrior, tarnsman, agent of the Priest-Kings, and Captain of Port Kar. He is the central hero of most of the series.  Appears as the principal hero in most Tarl-narrated books throughout the series.

• Scribes of the Law  Legal Scribes whose work connects law, civic authority, and the Warrior-centered conflict.

• warriors, officials, and Kur-linked adversaries  The military, civic, and hidden opposing forces surrounding Tarl’s later mission.

Connections to other books: Connects Tarl’s long Warrior career, Port Kar identity, legal institutions, and Kur-related conflicts from many earlier books.

38  Treasure of Gor

Narrator or viewpoint: Agnes Morrison Atherton

• Agnes Morrison Atherton  Agnes, a brilliant Earth woman, makes a dangerous discovery and is taken to Gor.

• captors, owners, rivals, and treasure seekers  The competing people who want Agnes, her knowledge, or the treasure connected to her discovery.

Connections to other books: The newest alternate-viewpoint novel; current public indexes do not yet support a confident full cross-book cast list.

A note for readers and roleplayers

Names, titles, and spellings can differ slightly between editions and fan indexes. A title such as Ubar, Tatrix, Captain, or Lord is not necessarily an alias. Tarl Cabot’s assumed identities are especially important: Kuurus in Assassin of Gor and Bosk of Port Kar beginning in Raiders of Gor are both Tarl, not separate characters.

The later books, especially volumes 34 through 38, have much thinner public character indexing than the early series. Where a supporting name could not be confirmed confidently, the guide identifies the important character group by role rather than inventing a name. Exact quotations and fine points of canon should always be checked against the edition of the novel being used.

Sources for series order and viewpoint characters

·         Gor series bibliography and narrator list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gor

·         Gor series publication order: https://www.goodreads.com/series/41821-gor

·         Complete 38 book publication list: https://mostrecommendedbooks.com/series/gor-books-in-order