Masquerade

A former WWII ally turned mercenary who agrees to help for a £500 fee. He is resourceful, wary of manipulation, and relies on street smarts and grit to navigate a maze of kidnappings and double-crosses. His loyalties swing between self-preservation and protecting the prince, leading to tense escapes and uneasy alliances.

The 14-year-old heir to the throne of Ramat, whose coming of age makes him more open to British influence. His safety drives the mission’s urgency and raises the stakes for every decision. He is portrayed as a potential political hinge rather than a mere pawn.

A calculating operator who engineers the kidnapping to profit from oil deals and ransom. He manipulates colleagues and opponents alike, steering events toward his own interests. His schemes clash with Frazer and the team in a climactic showdown.

A French woman who lures Frazer into the plot and becomes entangled with the gang. Her charm masks shifting loyalties, and her involvement blurs lines of trust and motive. She plays a pivotal role in the crew’s dynamic and the story's twists.

The British government leader who orchestrates the clandestine operation. He balances secrecy with duty, steering the mission to protect oil interests and national security. His decisions anchor the plot’s twists and turns.

A stuffy spy who facilitates Frazer’s access and influences the operation’s practicalities. He embodies bureaucratic authority, complicating decisions with measured prudence.

A private detective who initially aids Frazer but is later revealed to be working for the ruler of Ramat to secure the prince. His betrayals heighten the danger and force Frazer to improvise.

One of the circus gang members, a knife-thrower who adds danger and spectacle to the kidnapping plot. His presence keeps Frazer and the prince off balance as the chase unfolds.

A circus member tied to the gang, contributing to the plot’s chaos with performing acts used to conceal their operations. His involvement heightens the sense of a chaotic, carnival-esque threat surrounding the prince.