Golden Earrings

A retired British Major General whose polished exterior hides a wily survivor. He keeps a dangerous past under wraps while orchestrating a bold plan to secure the gas formula. His loyalty to Lydia and his knack for improvisation help him navigate a web of danger.

A resourceful gypsy woman who guides Denistoun through occupied Europe. Her courage, street-smarts, and willingness to take risks forge a deep, resolute partnership. She embodies resilience and loyalty amid constant peril.

A companion in captivity who shares Denistoun's escape plan. He is brave but deteriorating, driving Denistoun to improvise under pressure. He represents steadfast loyalty under dire circumstances.

A professor who holds the gas formula and becomes a pivotal ally once Denistoun proves his sincerity. His home is a nexus of scientific knowledge and dangerous intrigue.

A brutal Nazi interrogator whose intimidation heightens the stakes of the mission. His presence embodies the regime’s brutality and the danger surrounding Denistoun.

A fellow gypsy who aids the escape by guiding the caravan across the landscape. He represents the practical, nomadic side of resistance and survival.

An American journalist who triggers the frame narrative with a telegram and helps validate the late-revealed backstory. His presence sets the stage for the truth to emerge.

A member of the Krosigk circle connected to the gas formula, anchoring the German setting and its perilous politics within the personal stakes of the plot.

A military officer tied to the prewar captivity sequence, illustrating the pressures and dynamics of resistance and escape under duress.

An SS officer encountered during the pursuit, representing the regime’s oppressive machinery Denistoun must outsmart.