The Older Waiter is an unmarried and observant employee at a clean, well-lighted café. He empathizes with people who stay out late and understands the isolation that drives them. He appreciates the order and brightness of the café, and he views the space as a necessary refuge from the dark night. Unlike his younger coworker, he operates without hurry.

The Younger Waiter is a confident and impatient employee at the café. He values his own schedule heavily and fails to understand why anyone would delay going to bed. Protected by his youth and marriage, he lacks the life experience to recognize the profound isolation felt by older individuals.

The Old Man is a wealthy and deaf elderly patron who frequently visits the café and drinks until he forgets to pay. He recently survived a suicide attempt and relies on the orderly environment of the café to cope with his profound isolation. He moves with physical dignity despite his heavy drinking.

The Niece is a caretaker who watches over her elderly uncle. She intervened to save his life because she feared for his soul. She represents the only familial support he has left.

The Wife waits for her husband in bed while he finishes his shift. She provides him with a sense of purpose and companionship. This relationship shields him from the isolation that plagues the older characters.

The Bartender works at an unpolished bar that stays open late into the night. He interacts briefly with his patron but fails to understand him, quickly dismissing the man as crazy.