Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41

A central, fiercely resilient inmate who endures underground confinement and masterminds a violent escape. She crafts a weapon from a spoon and uses resourcefulness to resist guards, driving the action forward. Her pursuit of justice against Goda evolves into a relentless vendetta, culminating in a personal act of retribution. She embodies both endurance and righteous fury within a brutal system.

A fellow inmate who reveals her dark crime and participates in the escape and confrontations. She orchestrates movements within the group and commands harsh measures against perceived threats. Oba dies after saving Matsushima in a final clash, illustrating a complex mix of ruthlessness and loyalty among the prisoners. Her actions catalyze the plan and its brutal outcomes.

The corrupt warden whose promotions rely on crushing rebellion, including ordering rape as a tool of control. He embodies institutional cruelty and uses power to shield himself from accountability. Matsushima ultimately kills him, delivering a definitive break from oppressive authority. His character highlights how power can deform justice and humanity.

A mother whose personal tragedy underscores the brutality of the system; she searches for her son amid the chaos and is shot while trying to reunite with him. Her arc emphasizes the collateral damage of revolt and the human cost of the prisoners’ struggle. Her sacrifice adds emotional weight to the broader themes of loss and resilience.

A surreal guide who appears in the village sequence, granting Matsushima a dagger and symbolizing the boundary between reality and myth. Her death triggers a cascade of symbolic imagery as her body turns into leaves, foreshadowing liberation. She embodies a mystical earthing of the prisoners’ fates within the broader narrative of escape. Her presence links the physical struggle to a larger, almost folkloric fate.

A fellow inmate who endures the brutality alongside the others and participates in collective resistance. Her presence underscores the ensemble nature of the revolt and the shared fate of the prisoners. She contributes to the sense of solidarity among the women as they confront oppressive forces. Her experience highlights the universality of oppression and the strength found in unity.