A fugitive from Venezuela hiding on Villings Island to escape political persecution. He survives by eating tough roots and sleeping in makeshift shelters while attempting to document his ordeal. As a follower of Thomas Malthus, he considers himself intellectually superior to others. His isolation breeds heavy paranoia, leading him to meticulously record the actions of the sudden visitors in a diary.

A dark-haired, French-speaking woman spending time on the island with the other visitors. She follows a predictable routine, reading books by the shore and gazing at the evening sun. She remains entirely indifferent to the narrator's attempts to speak to her or construct a flower garden for her.

A wealthy, eccentric scientist acting as the primary host for the group visiting Villings Island. He speaks in long, technical monologues and expects admiration from his peers. He organized the island gathering specifically to spend time with Faustine.

A direct and argumentative member of the visiting party. He stands out from the rest of the group by refusing to blindly accept his host's statements. He actively interrogates the purpose of the gathering.

A female guest participating in the island holiday. She explores the different rooms of the large building and socializes intimately with a small group of friends.

A male guest on Villings Island. He spends much of his time engaged in casual conversation and leisure activities with the women of the group.

One of the visitors to the island. She participates in the formal activities organized by the host.

A male guest on the island who occasionally misses group events to sleep.

A member of the visiting party enjoying the facilities on Villings Island.

A former colleague of the host who previously participated in scientific experiments in Switzerland.

An imperious political figure in Venezuela. He holds enough power to force his critics into desperate exile across the globe.

A vendor in India who helps smuggle fugitives. He provided the narrator with a hiding spot on a ship and specific coordinates for Villings Island.

The commander of a supply ship that briefly visits the island. He coordinates logistics and deliveries from Papua New Guinea.