I am legend

Robert Neville

The last human survivor after a plague turns people into vampire-like creatures. He is lonely, traumatized, angry, and desperate to understand the disease.

Ruth

A woman Neville meets who pretends to be human. She is infected and sent to spy on him, forming a complicated emotional connection with Neville.

Ben Cortman

Neville's former neighbor who is now infected. He stands outside Neville's home each night calling his name, symbolizing constant pressure and fear.

Narrative voice

Neville's perspective shapes the entire story.

Limited narrator

We only know what Neville knows.

Tone

Dark, lonely, hopeless.

Symbol

Vampires represent fear and change.

Unreliable narrator

Neville's trauma affects his thinking.

Canonical dystopia

Humanity is essentially gone.