Randle Patrick McMurphy A con man admitted to the psych ward from Pendleton Prison Farm, diagnosed as a psychotic but really not insane.
Chief Bromden A man of mixed Native American and white heritage. He is diagnosed as an incurable paranoid-schizophrenic, and pretends to be deaf and mute in order to protect himself.
Dale Harding A college-educated man who is psychologically "castrated" by his sexy wife and Nurse Ratched. Harding is an Acute patient, one who has voluntarily committed himself to the hospital.
Billy Bibbit A young man dominated by his mother to the extent that he is still unmarried and a virgin. Bibbit is also a voluntarily committed Acute, despite the fact that his wrists reveal a previous suicide attempt.
Scanlon One of the patients on the ward.
Cheswick One of the patients on the ward.
Martini One of the patients on the ward.
Ruckly One of the patients on the ward.
Nurse Ratched A former Army nurse who maintains order by exercising absolute authority over the hospital staff and its patients.
Doctor Spivey A morphine addict, chosen by Nurse Ratched to work on her ward because she can exploit his weakness and vulnerability.
Nurse Flinn A perpetually frightened young nurse.
Aide Warren and Aide Williams Chosen by Nurse Ratched as orderlies because of their hostility and/or strength. They keep order on the ward mainly by threatening the patients and each other.
Aide Turkle A night watchman who smokes marijuana and accepts bribes
Candy Starr A prostitute from Portland with a "heart of gold."
Sandy Candy's older friend; comes with her to the party on the ward.