Elwin Ransom is the central character of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy.
Ransom is a philologist and university professor who becomes the protagonist of Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. The trilogy combines science fiction, mythology, theology, and ideas about language and civilization.
In the first novel, Ransom is taken from Earth to Mars, which is called Malacandra. The later books expand the conflict between benevolent and destructive forces and bring the story back to Earth. Ransom’s academic identity is important because his expertise in languages helps him communicate across cultures and worlds.
He is sometimes confused with Digory Kirke, another professor created by Lewis. Digory is a major figure in The Chronicles of Narnia, whereas Ransom belongs to the Space Trilogy.