Russell Shoemaker

Russell Shoemaker is the protagonist of Afterworld, an advertising executive from Seattle, Washington. He has a wife, Janelle, and a daughter, Kizzy. Both of them were in Seattle before "The Fall."

In hope of scoring big by spreading his campaign, he travels to New York City. The next day, he realizes that something is wrong with the world and later finds out about The Fall. He starts travelling home after The Fall, and during his journey he meets many people and creates friends and enemies. Russell has several dreams of his daughter which proves to be important throughout the series.

He hears many theories about what may have caused The Fall from various factions and individuals during his 3000-mile journey.