Randolph Carter

Randolph Carter (b. 1888) is an occultist, antiquarian, and graduate of Miskatonic University. He is the older brother of Magdalena Carter and a close friend of Calvin Alden.

Carter grew up in and around Boston, briefly traveling to Paris as a teenager. At the age of ten, he underwent a mysterious experience at his great-uncle Christopher's farm and thereafter exhibited a gift of prophecy. Carter later served in the French Foreign Legion during the First World War, and was badly wounded in fighting near Belloy-en-Santerre in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme in which the Legion participated.

In 1918 Carter joined his friend Harley Warren in the latter's investigations of a mysterious crypt in an ancient abandoned cemetery near Arkham. Warren believed the crypt contained evidence that could confirm some of his speculations, the details of which he refused to share with Carter, who suspected his friend had come under the influence of the Necronomicon. After Warren's death while excavating the crypt, Carter became more deeply involved in occult investigations.

Carter is alleged to be the owner (and perhaps creator) of a magical silver key which enabled him to access the Dreamlands and aided travel to other planes of existence.

Carter disappeared in 1928. Many believe he was murdered by members of a cult. His sister insists he was not killed but may no longer be living on this world.