The Stranger is an aged man with white hair cascading to his shoulders and an uncanny light burning in his eyes. He appears suddenly in the church, claiming to be a messenger from Almighty God. Functioning as a voice of reason or prophecy, he asks the congregation to consider the brutal realities of the military victory they so eagerly request from heaven.

The Minister is an eloquent and passionate clergyman leading his congregation in a war-centric liturgy. He prays fervently for God to protect their troops and grant them victory by crushing their foes. He represents the union of organized religion and nationalistic fervor, shutting his eyes to the grim realities of the conflict he champions.

The Soldiers are young, enthusiastic volunteers preparing to march into battle for their unnamed country. Driven by a naive sense of patriotism, they dream of flashing sabers and returning home as heroes. They are cheered on by their community, completely oblivious to the horrific violence and suffering they are about to inflict.

The Family And Neighbors are the proud citizens of the unnamed country, swept up in the excitement and celebration of the impending war. They view death on the battlefield as a noble sacrifice and fervently join the church's invocation for victory. Caught in a storm of nationalism, they reject any dissenting voices that challenge their romanticized view of conflict.