Berthold is a trans man who formerly worked at the Institute of Sexual Science in Berlin. Following the destruction of his community and the rise of the Nazi regime, he assumes the alias of Goss Baumann and lives as a quiet farmer. He struggles with profound survivor's guilt over the loss of his friends. He is resourceful and fiercely protective, surviving the post-war occupation while concealing his history and identity.

Sofie is a skilled pianist and Berthold's romantic partner. She shares his life of concealment after they flee Berlin. Pragmatic and compassionate, she acts as an emotional anchor and provides practical support during moments of crisis. She uses music to cope with her own trauma and loss.

Karl is a young survivor of the Dachau concentration camp. He flees when he realizes the Allied liberators are re-imprisoning individuals targeted for their sexuality or gender. Traumatized and hyper-vigilant, he struggles with the expectation that he must continue hiding his identity to stay alive. He gradually forms a familial bond with Berthold and Sofie.

Gert is Berthold's closest friend from their time in Weimar Berlin. He is an affectionate, optimistic carpenter's assistant who participates openly in the city's queer community. When the political climate turns lethal, Gert warns his friends and provides them with an escape plan to his grandparents' farm, promising to follow them shortly.

Lieutenant Ward is an American officer stationed in post-war Germany. He represents the continued enforcement of oppressive laws under the Allied occupation. Aggressive and prejudiced, he relentlessly investigates Berthold and Sofie, determined to uncover their true identities and prosecute them.

Dr. Hirschfeld is a pioneering sexologist and the founder of the Institute of Sexual Science in Berlin. He provides medical services, advocacy, and a safe haven for marginalized individuals. He serves as a paternal mentor to Berthold before the regime targets his life's work.

Frau Baer is the observant neighbor living near the farm in Ulm. She frequently questions Berthold and Sofie about their activities, creating tension as they fear she might expose them to the authorities. She watches them closely, assessing their behavior and keeping her own motivations concealed.

Roy is an American citizen and Gert's devoted partner. He forms a close connection with Gert during the relatively free days of Weimar Berlin. His American citizenship offers the possibility of escape, making him a critical contact for Berthold's later plans to flee Germany.

Goss is Gert's grandfather and a farmer from Ulm. He is protective of his grandson and warns Berthold about the growing political threats in Germany, urging the younger men to take the danger seriously. His farm later becomes a refuge.

Ina is Gert's grandmother. She travels from Ulm to Berlin to understand the community that supports her grandson. Astute and cautious, she accurately predicts that conservative political interests will help the rising regime gain power.

Markus is a photographer and part of Berthold's tight-knit friend group in pre-war Berlin. He represents the vibrant, joyful social circle that Berthold mourns after the destruction of their community.