Heart of Darkness Marlow
by Joseph Conrad

Marlow is the protagonist of the story, as well as the second narrator of this frame story. He is a thoughtful and likable character, loyal, witty, and prone to acts of compassion. In this he differs from the other white men in the tale (except the Russian), who are continually plotting and regularly engage in savage acts under the pretense of doing business for the Company. Marlow's journey into the "heart of darkness" somewhat mirrors the journey Kurtz makes, though Marlow does not embrace the same extremes as Kurtz. This restraint, keeps Marlow from being consumed by the truth, but at the same time limits his understanding of it. Marlow is also the main vehicle Conrad uses to develop his theme dealing with the hypocrisy and savagery of Imperialism.