The highly respected mayor of a small, unnamed northern European mining town. He views his office as a direct vessel for the people's desires and refuses to act decisively without understanding their collective will. Civil and dignified, he approaches the invasion with an emphasis on propriety and a deep commitment to the democratic process. He relies heavily on the guidance of his close friends and staff to measure the town's temperament.

The commanding officer of the invading military force. As the only man on his staff with extensive prior combat experience, he understands the grim realities of conquest and harbors no romantic illusions about war. He establishes his base of operations in the Mayor's home and strictly follows the protocols handed down by his military superiors, despite a personal desire for a peaceful transition.

The local shopkeeper who acts as a secret collaborator for the invading army. He tricks the town's small defensive troop away from their posts to facilitate a bloodless takeover by the occupying forces. Disconnected from the townspeople's true feelings, he actively seeks to usurp the mayoral position for himself.

A trusted friend and colleague of Mayor Orden who provides counsel during the sudden military occupation. He represents the steadfast, democratic ideals of the community alongside the mayor. He holds a deep belief in the collective strength of the townspeople and recognizes their uncanny ability to gather information in secret.

A young, sentimental officer on Colonel Lanser's staff who approaches the invasion with naive enthusiasm. Instructed by his military recruiters that the soldiers would be welcomed as heroes, he frequently discusses his desire to settle down in the occupied land after the war. He struggles heavily with the cold reception he receives from the local populace.

An elderly, laid-back officer serving on Colonel Lanser's staff. He harbors a deep personal obsession with British culture and lacks the aggressive military enthusiasm of his younger peers. He participates in the initial securing of the town's assets and the enforcement of the mining operations.

A young, militarily enthusiastic officer who believes strictly in the power of codes and protocols. He insists that rigid adherence to military rules is the only way to inspire obedience from the conquered townspeople. He represents the textbook, unyielding approach to military occupation.

The engineer of Colonel Lanser's staff, tasked primarily with designing an improved railway system. His main objective is to ensure the efficient transport of coal from the local mines to the front lines. He views the occupation largely as a logistical and mathematical problem to solve rather than a human conflict.

A young, idealistic officer who views the war through a heavily romanticized lens. He carries a picture of a woman with him and views the military campaign as an adventure. As the realities of the town's hostility become apparent, his initial enthusiasm gives way to severe emotional strain.

The elderly, neat, and orderly head of Mayor Orden's household staff. He frequently eavesdrops on the conversations between the town leaders and the occupying officers. He utilizes his position within the commandeered house to secretly assist the mayor's resistance efforts.

The quick-tempered cook in Mayor Orden's household. She demonstrates immediate hostility toward the invading soldiers and refuses to be intimidated by their presence in her workplace. Her access to the occupied house allows her to operate as a stealthy messenger for the townspeople.

A local coal miner who becomes a central figure in the town's resistance when he actively rebels against the forced labor implemented by the occupying army. His refusal to obey orders brings the intense tension between the town and the military to a boiling point, resulting in a severe military trial.

The wife of the defiant coal miner Alex Morden. As she faces the devastating consequences of her husband's rebellion against the occupying forces, she becomes a target of unwanted romantic attention from an idealistic enemy soldier. She struggles to survive on reduced food rations while quietly maintaining her dignity and participating in the resistance.

The wife of the town mayor. She experiences deep confusion during the initial occupation, initially viewing the invading officers as guests who require traditional social comforts. She provides emotional support to her husband and comfort to other townspeople as the military tightens its grip on the community.

Two local brothers who plan to escape the occupied town by stealing a boat and crossing the water to England. They coordinate with the mayor to request small weapons and explosives from foreign allies to aid the town's clandestine resistance efforts.