Salvador

Richard Boyle is a veteran photojournalist grappling with personal demons, including substance abuse and a tarnished reputation. His dedication to capturing the truth drives him into dangerous territories, leading him to confront both external conflicts and his troubled past. Richard's complexity as a character is showcased through his evolving understanding of sacrifice and morality.

Doctor Rock, portrayed as Richard's loyal friend, is a struggling disc jockey who joins Richard on his tumultuous journey to El Salvador. He provides a contrast to Richard’s intense focus, often serving as the voice of reason. His character represents the everyday person caught in extraordinary circumstances, embodying themes of friendship and support.

María is a significant figure from Richard's past whose presence complicates his journey. As a mother torn between love for her children and the dire realities of her homeland, she embodies strength and vulnerability. Her decision to stay with her children in the face of deportation starkly illustrates the theme of sacrifice.

John Cassady is a fellow journalist and Richard's friend, whose tragic fate serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in reporting from conflict zones. His character highlights the risks taken by those seeking to expose the truth, as well as the toll war takes on friendships and lives.

The U.S. Ambassador represents the political apathy towards the crisis in El Salvador, dismissing Richard's pleas for intervention. His character exemplifies the tensions between governmental policies and humanitarian concerns, embodying the complexities of U.S. foreign relations during the Cold War.