The Comedian: The Comedian is one of the only superheroes allowed to continue his work after the Keene Act, the government’s ban of masked crusaders, is passed. Described as “ruthless, cynical, and nihilistic,” The Comedian seems to be merely a scumbag with a flamethrower, but his personal history suggests something more complex. Watchmen opens with his murder, the first in a series of attempts made on former superheroes’ lives.
Doctor Manhattan: Renowned scientist Jonathan Osterman was transformed into blue-skinned Doctor Manhattan during a catastrophic quantum explosion. Manhattan is the only “true” superhero in the bunch; he can do anything from levitating to cloning himself. Doctor Manhattan’s vigilante actions, like the Comedian’s, are sanctioned by the government. His strange quantum state of being gives him a non-linear perspective of events.
Rorschach: The eternally masked Rorschach watches over the city by prowling its filthy underbelly; he continues his actions illegally after the Keene Act outlaws them. Disgust seems to be the only emotion he consistently registers as he waits for all of the world’s sinners to pay for their corruption. Criminals and the government alike are determined to punish Rorschach for the crimes he has committed in the pursuit of vigilante justice. Meanwhile, Rorshach is determined to find the superhero killer.
Silk Spectre: Laurie Juspeczyk inherited the title of Silk Spectre from her mother, a sexy superheroine known for great agility and skill. She is in love with, and partner to, Doctor Manhattan.
Ozymandias: Ozymandias’ alter-ego Adrian Veidt turned his attention to marketing his superhero persona after the ban. A billionaire from merchandising the Ozymandias image, he has been called the World’s Smartest Man. Veidt’s physical perfection matches his mental capacity: he seems to be capable of anything.
Nite Owl: Dan Dreiberg is the first Nite Owl’s successor. He depends on gadgetry and science, but also exhibits physical prowess. Together, Nite Owl and Silk Spectre aid Rorschach in his investigation of the superhero killings. Neither wants to break the law but both are too frustrated to stand by as Watchmen’s dark plot unfolds.
