David is the youngest of eight brothers, relegated to the low-status work of a shepherd. He possesses a deep faith and channels his emotional anguish into musical compositions that eventually become famous psalms. After receiving a surprising anointing from a visiting prophet, he enters the royal court to play the harp for King Saul. He responds to hostility with passive evasion, refusing to strike back at his attackers.

Saul is the established king of Israel who brought the divided tribes together into a united kingdom. Despite his outward authority and divine appointment, his internal character is corrupted by jealousy and pride. He views the kingship as a personal possession to be defended at all costs. When the young shepherd David gains popularity in the royal court, Saul reacts with violent paranoia.

Absalom is an Israelite prince and David's son who possesses significant charisma and a handsome appearance. He positions himself as a sympathetic listener for the disgruntled citizens of the kingdom. By offering a supportive ear, he subtly undermines his father's administration and builds a quiet movement of popular support. He views himself as a highly capable alternative to the current leadership.

The Narrator serves as the guide for the allegorical play, heavily implied to be the author himself. He interrupts the historical scenes to offer theological commentary on the events unfolding onstage. He breaks the fourth wall continuously to engage in direct conversation with the audience. His primary goal is to interpret the actions of the ancient kings for modern spiritual contexts.

The Reader functions as an active participant in the story's meta-narrative. They ask defensive questions about their own toxic church leadership situations. As the story progresses, their desire to overthrow a perceived bad leader mirrors the historical rebellions being depicted. They must decide whether to act aggressively or submit passively.

Samuel is an old sage, prophet, and judge in Israel. He arrives at Bethlehem under divine orders to locate a specific individual for a future royal destiny. He bypasses David's older brothers to pour anointing oil on the youngest shepherd boy.

Joab is a military leader who follows David during his years of exile and later serves as a senior advisor during his reign. He holds a pragmatic view of power and conflict. He struggles to understand David's commitment to passive non-resistance when practical solutions are available.

Abishai is a military commander and one of David's mighty men. He brings urgent reports of rebellion to the capital. He strongly advocates for decisive action to protect the kingdom from internal threats, considering passive submission a danger to the state.

Zadok serves as the high priest during David's reign. He possesses a deep understanding of Israel's historical rebellions, particularly the uprising against Moses. He provides spiritual counsel to the king during times of national crisis, prioritizing the posture of the heart over political maneuvering.

Nathan is a prophet of God operating in Jerusalem during David's reign. He understands that leadership challenges test a ruler's inner character rather than their political strength. He recognizes that ambitious individuals will always find enemies regardless of the actual circumstances.

Gabriel is an archangel tasked with dispensing portions of divine being to two unborn destinies. He delivers both the outward gift of power and the inward inheritance of brokenness. He warns that the latter requires extreme pain to properly form a leader's character.

History is an allegorical figure who initially appears as an ordinary sage. He evaluates the ambitious prince Absalom, recognizing the young man's dreams will inevitably lead to dictatorship. He provides a definitive condemnation of all spiritual rebellions, asserting that splitting a kingdom is always an unworthy act.