Balloon

Doris is the determined mother who fiercely protects her family, even as she navigates fear and persistence. She worries about safety and the consequences of defying the border regime, including the loss of essential medications. Her resolve becomes a catalyst for the second, more ambitious escape attempt, demonstrating the lengths a parent will go for freedom.

Peter is the practical and steady partner who agrees to try again after the initial failure. He contributes technical skill and calm judgment, coordinating the balloon build and travel logistics under pressure. His loyalty to the family and pragmatic approach keep the plan moving despite growing risk.

Frank is the teenage son who shelters a secret romance with Klara and embodies youthful courage tempered by risk. He clutches a farewell letter that represents his bid for a different life. His presence adds emotional stakes to the escape, illustrating how young hearts confront political barriers.

Andreas, also known as Fitscher, is the younger son whose curiosity and adaptability help the family navigate unforeseen challenges. He learns to read wind patterns and follow his parents’ instructions under tense circumstances. His development mirrors the family’s resilience amid the pressure of discovery.

Erik is the neighbor who works for the Stasi, a detail that casts a shadow over the families’ budding relationship with Klara. His position in the community heightens the sense of surveillance and stakes, as he potentially represents a direct link to the authorities.

Klara is Klara Baumann, the daughter of Erik, and Frank’s love interest. Her connection to the Stasi-adjacent world adds complexity to the teenagers’ personal choices and the risk they take for romance amid political tension.

Seidel is the lead Stasi investigator who relentlessly pursues the escape plot. His methodical approach and drive to protect the state’s image push him to pursue suspects with relentless scrutiny and pressure.

Erich Mielke is the Stasi chief who embodies the political authority behind the tightening of the regime. Though not deeply developed in every scene, his presence underscores the stakes of any breach of the border and the broad reach of state power.