The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Author: Douglas Adams

Published: 1979
Novel

The various versions of the book follow a same basic plot, but Douglas Adams rewrote the story for each new adaptation. Throughout all versions, the series follows the adventures of Arthur Dent.

Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor. 

Together, the dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox-the-two-headed, three-armed ex hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brillian, and chronically depressed robot.

Characters:
Arthur Dent
Marvin
Veet Voojagig
Ford Prefect
Zaphod Beeblebrox
Trillian