The consistent voice across the stories, linked most prominently with Tamina, weaving together variations on the theme of Czechoslovakian identity and personal memory. The narrator shares biographical elements with Milan Kundera, creating a blend of fiction and reality.

A character driven by the fear of erasure, who embarks on a journey to retrieve compromising papers, illustrating the tension between personal memory and state surveillance. His story reflects the broader theme of political erasure in the novel.

An unnamed young man defined by ambition and insecurity, who faces feelings of inadequacy while engaging in a romantic affair with Kristyna. The character's experiences are tied to the emotions and identity struggles of youth.