• BEN ( Duane Jones)
Ben is without doubt the leader of the group. Like Peter Washington in Dawn, he is rational and quick thinking, boarding the house up virtually as soon as he gets there. Played superbly by Duane Jones. (Duane died in 1988 through heart problems at 51 years old)
• HARRY COOPER ( Karl Hardman)
Narrowly escaped death when zombies managed to upturn his car. Travelling with his wife Helen and daughter Karen, Harry is arrogant and, although he means well, is ultimately responsible for the arguments in the house. Hardman plays the role fantastically as well, coming across as a complete asshole!
• HELEN COOPER( Marilyn Eastman)
Helen believes that the only thing she has left in her life is her daughter and although tired from years or marriage with her arrogant husband, she still manages to maintain a sensible attitude throughout the night. Marilyn Eastman puts in yet another great performance.
• BARBARA ( Judith O'Dea)
According to the novel, Barbara is a young girl from Pittsburgh. Her only family consists of her brother Johnny and her old mother. She is easily frightened and reacts incredibly badly to Johnny's death. O'Dea makes the character quite believable, although somewhat cliched.
• TOM ( Keith Wayne)
Tom was on his way to a nearby lake with girlfriend Judy when he heard the first reports of the crisis on the radio. He and Judy quickly retreated to the farmhouse, where they met the Cooper family. Similar to Ben, Tom thinks quickly and logically.
• JUDY ( Judith Ridley)
Judy remains calm throughout the course of the night and takes responsibility for Karen on occassions. Although she believes that the farmhouse is the safest place, ultimately she trusts her lover, Tom, and runs to help him refuel the truck.
