Yossarian – He is the protagonist of Catch-22.
Dunbar – Yossarian's friend and roommate when the novel opens
The Chaplain – a religious man who comes to visit Yossarian in the hospital
Nurse Duckett – Doesn't appear to have a significant role, except that of Yossarian's nurse
The Texan – A man so nice that everyone hates him
Soldier in white – A completely bandaged man who is in the same ward as Yossarian
Lieutenant Nately – Yossarian's commanding officer
The novel opens in a hospital ward with Yossarian meeting the chaplain. Yossarian seems to enjoy confusing the chaplain and causing him trouble although he "fell madly in love with him" (15) We meet a few other characters, none too significant at this point.
The first piece of irony is seen in this chapter in the Texan. He is so nice that everyone hates him. The soldier in white poses an element of mystery thus far in the novel. He is intriguing to the other characters because he is all bandaged. They ponder whether or not he is alive.
We are also introduced to the first setting of the novel; Pianosa which is to be a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
C.I.D. Man – His name is only mentioned once and is thus far insignificant
Clevinger – A fellow officer in Yossarian's squadron
Milo – Assumed to be in charge of the mess hall
Yossarian is out of the hospital and is arguing with Clevinger about how everyone is out to kill him The new characters are mainly other pilots in the military with Yossarian.
Ferrara and the Great Big Siege of Bologna are two events mentioned with no description
This chapter holds the first introduction to the idea of insanity. Yossarian feels that everyone else is crazy, everyone hates him and is trying to kill him as well.
Sergeant Towser – Only mentioned very briefly, no apparent significance
Major Major – Squadron commander who resembles Hen...