An aging Jesuit priest and influential literary critic who publishes under the pseudonym H. Ibacache. He takes immense pride in his European ancestry and classical education, actively avoiding the parts of Chilean society he considers crude or uncultured. He turns to poetry, literature, and European preservation projects as methods of insulating himself from political unrest and his own internal doubts.

An aggressive, relentless young man who serves as an externalized voice of guilt and memory. He represents a new generation of writers focused on the ugly, violent realities of the world rather than classical aesthetics. He refuses to let older intellectuals ignore their past actions, demanding accountability through his dark, chaotic poetry.

The most prominent literary critic in Chile, operating from a country estate named Là-bas. He possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of literature and an imposing, debonair physical presence. Unashamed of his homosexuality and highly cynical about the long-term value of books, he acts as the primary gatekeeper for the nation's literary elite.

A young, vivacious socialite and aspiring novelist living on the outskirts of Santiago. She provides a rare space for the city's remaining writers to gather, drink, and discuss literature during a period of intense curfews and political fear. She maintains a radiant, welcoming environment upstairs while keeping the rest of her domestic life strictly compartmentalized.

A well-dressed, seemingly ordinary importer operating under the auspices of Opus Dei. He acts as a clandestine operative, identifying vulnerable but useful intellectuals to participate in specialized projects. He frames his propositions as prestigious honors, masking their political utility behind religious and cultural goals.

An Opus Dei associate with alleged Finnish and Lithuanian heritage. He works closely with Mr. Raef to orchestrate covert assignments for Catholic intellectuals. He maintains a shadowy, businesslike demeanor, cornering recruits into tasks they are too frightened or ambitious to refuse.

An American expatriate married to María Canales. He lives in a large home outside Santiago with his wife and their two young sons. He maintains a quiet, detached presence from the vibrant literary salons happening in his house, focusing instead on his own undisclosed professional obligations.

The eight-year-old son of María Canales and James Thompson. He projects a deep, almost sealed-off sadness and innocence that contrasts sharply with the drunken artistic fervor of his mother's parties.

A respected Chilean writer and former diplomat who served in Europe during the Second World War. He enjoys sharing lengthy, romanticized stories about his interactions with famous European authors and struggling painters, treating the historical tragedies he witnessed primarily as aesthetic experiences.

A German writer serving as a captain in the Wehrmacht during the occupation of Paris. He engages in highly philosophical conversations about art and evil while remaining seemingly oblivious to the immediate destruction his military presence represents.

A Nobel Prize-winning poet who stands as the pinnacle of Chilean literary achievement. He possesses a larger-than-life presence that commands respect even from the country's most cynical critics. His romantic, evocative verses set the standard against which younger writers measure their own aspirations.

The general who seizes control of Chile through a military coup. He views himself as a serious intellectual and is anxious to prove his academic superiority over past democratic leaders. He actively seeks out instruction on Marxist theory, attempting to master the philosophy of his political enemies through formal study.

An elderly parish priest responsible for historic church conservation. He originally utilized a trained falcon named Rodrigo to protect the architecture but suffers a profound crisis of faith, realizing that killing birds contradicts his belief in the sanctity of God's creations.

An Indigenous domestic worker employed at the Canales household. She manages the children and the property while the literary elite socialize, serving as a quiet, constant presence who maintains order amid the late-night chaos.

A famous Chilean poet and contemporary of Pablo Neruda. He represents the established literary guard that older critics like Farewell attempt to rally during times of national crisis.