I'm not entirely sure without reading the book specifically, but likely there is the variable man himself. He's probably a central character whose variability sets the tone for the stories he's in.
Perhaps there are also ordinary people in the stories who are affected by the presence of the variable man. Their reactions, whether it's fear, acceptance or something else, can show different perspectives on the extraordinary element in their midst.
There may also be a theme of the unknown and the unexpected. Since the stories are likely to involve a variable element, this could lead to situations where the characters face unforeseen circumstances, making them question their understanding of the world and themselves.
There could be a female character with strong will. She might be someone who defies the norms of the society depicted in the stories. Maybe she challenges the male - dominated world in some way, adding an interesting dynamic to the stories in 'the quiet man and other stories'.
There is the narrator in many of the stories. His perspective is crucial as he guides us through the strange events. Also, in the story of 'The Aleph' itself, Carlos Argentino Daneri is a notable character. He is the owner of the house where the aleph is supposedly located.
In 'The Lottery', Tessie Hutchinson is a notable character. She becomes the victim of the lottery, and her protests at the end highlight the horror of the situation.
I'm not entirely sure without having read it thoroughly, but there's likely to be the character associated with the black phone. Maybe it's a victim or someone who has a special connection to the strange events related to the phone.
The old man in the story by the river is also a character that stands out. He has a lot of wisdom that he imparts, but also a sad backstory that is gradually revealed throughout the story. His presence in the story adds depth and a sense of melancholy as he reflects on his life and the changes in the world around him.
In 'Games at Twilight', Ravi is a notable character. He is a child who experiences a range of emotions during the game. His eagerness to win and then his sense of disappointment and isolation when things don't go as planned make him a complex character.
In 'The Overcoat', Akaky Akakievich is a very notable character. He is a low - ranking clerk who is meek and mild - mannered. His life revolves around his work of copying documents, and his new overcoat becomes a symbol of his hopes and dreams.
Well, since it's a friend of Kafka, that friend would be a notable character. Maybe it's someone who has a deep understanding of Kafka or is influenced by him in some way. There could also be other characters who are in contrast to this friend, like those who don't understand Kafka's ideas at all.
Well, the unnamed protagonist in 'The Call of Cthulhu' is quite important. He's the one who stumbles upon the dark secrets and the cult that worships Cthulhu. There are also the cult members themselves. They play a significant role as they are the ones trying to bring about the return of Cthulhu. And Cthulhu, that huge, tentacled, and indescribably hideous entity, is a central character in a sense. It represents the ultimate cosmic horror that the whole story revolves around.