Characters in The Bat

Harry Hole

Oslo police inspector sent to Sydney to observe a murder investigation, who ignores his limits and drinks heavily.

Also in Cockroaches, The Redbreast, Nemesis, Sorgenfri, Marekors, The Redeemer, The Snowman, Gjenferd, Police, The Thirst

Andrew Kensington

Aboriginal Australian detective assigned to work alongside Harry on the case.

Also in Flaggermusmannen

Inger Holter

Young Norwegian woman, a former children's TV host working in a Sydney bar, whose murder starts the investigation.

Birgitta Enquist

Inger's fellow barmaid and a key witness in the case.

Evans White

Inger's boyfriend, a drug dealer and an early suspect.

Also in Flaggermusmannen

Otto Rechtnagel

A transvestite clown on Sydney's fringe who comes under suspicion.

Neil McCormack

Head of the Surry Hills crime squad running the Sydney investigation.

Teddy Mongabi

A pimp from Sydney's underworld whom Harry confronts.