The Black Room

A depraved ruler who murders the wives of peasants and hides his crimes behind a charming, calculating exterior. He orchestrates a plot to abdicate only to murder his brother and steal Anton’s identity, revealing a penchant for manipulation and brutality. His mirrored deception culminates in a dramatic unmasking that the mob uses to reclaim justice.

The kind and popular brother who is the opposite of Gregor, beloved by villagers and trusted staff. He returns from Europe with a sense of integrity, seeking to reform the family’s rule, and becomes a legitimate alternative to Gregor’s cruelty. His fate hinges on loyalty, love, and the fight against his brother’s darkness.

A young lieutenant who competes for Thea’s heart and becomes a target of Gregor’s schemes. He is bold, principled, and fiercely protective of Thea, but is ultimately framed and forced into a wrongful death sentence. His defiance and pursuit of truth fuel the final confrontation.

The castle servant who disappears after being seen with Gregor, sparking the locals’ outrage. Her disappearance becomes a catalyst for the mob’s raid on the castle and the uncovering of Gregor’s murderous plan. She is a symbol of the ordinary people drawn into the aristocratic power struggle.

The daughter of Colonel Hassel, she is torn between her loyalty to her family and her love for Anton. She admires Anton’s decency while ultimately choosing to stand against Gregor’s tyranny. Her actions and affections drive key decisions and the eventual unmasking of the villain.

The stern, principled father figure and family adviser who supports Thea’s union with Lussan. His authority and integrity are tested as Gregor’s scheme unfolds, and his eventual opposition helps reveal the truth behind the courtly intrigues.

The gypsy foreseer whose presence signals fate’s grip on the family. His interactions hint at destiny and the inevitability of the tragic outcome, underscoring the story’s dark, fatalistic tone.

A symbol of lawful order who becomes entangled in the castle’s schemes. His role underscores the collapse of justice when deceit and personal vendetta override the law.

A physician who witnesses the mounting turmoil and contributes to the unfolding mystery surrounding the brothers’ true identities. His observations help piece together the sequence of events that lead to the climactic reveal.

A captured antagonist whose presence adds menace and a reminder of the castle’s danger. His role thickens the plot’s tension, illustrating the threats that haunt the castle’s inhabitants.

A minor, uncredited role that exists in the tapestry of the castle’s daily life. His brief scenes help establish the social environment and the bustling atmosphere around the aristocratic circle.

A staff member whose presence reflects the everyday life within the castle. Her interactions contribute to the atmosphere of service, secrecy, and the social hierarchy at play.

The elder baron whose legacy frames the family’s power and its downfall. His status and ambitions set the stage for the twin brothers’ fateful confrontation and the prophecy’s fulfillment.

Young version of Colonel Hassel, representing tradition and duty. His role highlights the generational conflict within the Hassel family and the looming threat Gregor poses to their lineage.

The legal figure who faces the consequences of the trial and the manipulation of evidence. His presence adds to the courtroom tension and the broader theme of justice under strain.

A placeholder for the collection of minor roles that populate the castle and its surrounding village, illustrating the network of people affected by the protagonists’ decisions.