The officer serves as the executioner in an isolated penal colony. He dresses in a heavy, tight-fitting ceremonial uniform that is highly impractical for the tropical climate. As the sole remaining supporter of the colony's former ruler, he insists on maintaining violent traditions. He operates the complex execution apparatus and believes firmly in absolute, unquestionable punishment.

A foreign researcher who speaks French, the traveler visits the isolated colony to please the current leadership. He privately opposes capital punishment and feels uncomfortable with the local justice system. Despite his internal objections, he maintains a polite, reserved demeanor and uses his status as an outsider to justify his inaction.

A physically imposing man, the prisoner faces a death sentence for falling asleep while on guard duty. Because he does not speak French, he cannot understand his captors and remains completely ignorant of his impending punishment. He is shackled with excessive chains around his neck, hands, and feet, leaving him with zero physical autonomy.

The soldier is a low-ranking guard tasked with physically controlling the prisoner. He shares a social class and language with the condemned man but aligns himself with the oppressive system to maintain his small degree of authority. He shows little interest in the mechanics of the execution, frequently dozing off while on duty or taking advantage of the situation for personal comfort.

The deceased former ruler of the penal colony designed the entire local justice system, including the glass and steel execution machine. He functioned as a soldier, judge, architect, chemist, and artist during his tenure. He demanded absolute obedience from all citizens and ruled through mandatory public displays of extreme physical torture.

The current leader of the penal colony favors administrative polish over public brutality. He implements reforms that outwardly appear more lenient, such as offering prisoners porridge before their executions. He quietly limits maintenance funds for the execution machine to push the old system into disrepair without directly outlawing it.

A military superior who forces his subordinates to perform exhausting duties, such as saluting his door every hour. When he discovers the prisoner asleep on duty, he physically attacks him with a horsewhip instead of using formal disciplinary channels.