John is the protagonist and narrator of “By the Waters of Babylon.” He is a member of the Hill People, a community that lives in the wilderness outside of the ruins of New York City. John is expected to become a priest when he grows up, as his father is also a priest. Because of his spiritual heritage, he has magic powers that allow him to search for and touch metal in the Dead Places without burning up. However, John also must meet high expectations from his father and community because of his priestly heritage and destiny, such as needing to contain his fear and sadness. For instance, John says, “[W]hen I boasted or wept without a reason, he punished me more strictly than my brothers. That was right” (1).

John is a round and dynamic character, which can be seen in the way he transforms from being anxious and afraid to being a confident, strong, and powerful leader of his people. He begins the story as a fearful, timid child, but he becomes more confident as he grows up and makes use of his powers while helping his father and the other priests search for metal.