The character table of a finite group G is constructed by computing the eigenvectors of matrix equations determined by the centre of the group algebra. The numerical character values are expressed in algebraic form. A variant using a certain sub-algebra of the centre of the group algebra is used to ease problems associated with determining the conjugacy classes of elements of G. The simple group of order 50,232,960 and its subgroups PSL(2,17) and PSL(2,19) are constructed using general techniques. A combination of hand and machine calculation gives the character tables of the known simple groups of order < 106 excepting Sp(4,4) and PSL(2,q). The characters of the non- Abelian 2-groups of order < 2 6 are computed. Miscellaneous computations involving the symmetric group Sn are given.