The Small Voice

An educated, composed stage actress whose marriage is strained by wartime injuries and bitterness. She keeps her wits about her as danger encroaches and ultimately assists in the escape, showing quiet resilience under pressure. Her blend of public poise and private vulnerability makes her a stabilizing force in a collapsing crisis. She embodies the collision between performance and survival when the home becomes a battleground.

A war veteran turned playwright who has drifted emotionally from his wife, carrying bitterness from his injury. His intelligence and resolve guide him through the crisis, balancing caution with decisive action. He makes a critical attempt to confront the danger, though a moment of misjudgement with the gun shapes the outcome. He represents the weary survivor trying to protect his family in a perilous moment.

The gang leader—cultivated, ruthless, and capable of violence when threatened. His backstory of life in Liverpool and Chicago hints at a worldliness that masks a cold brutality. He commands the attackers with a chilling confidence, until his own arrogance becomes a liability. His end comes when a moment of overconfidence meets a prepared resistance.

The motherly housekeeper who keeps a low profile while facilitating the house's safety in the crisis. She distracts the criminals to buy time for others, showing practical courage. Her quiet loyalty keeps the household from collapsing under pressure. She embodies civilian steadiness when danger disrupts daily life.

A well-educated boy who becomes a calm, observant voice amid chaos, even as he battles meningitis. His quick thinking and understanding of language provide a subtle moral ballast for the family. He embodies the idea that intellect and education can guide even in crisis. His presence underscores the vulnerability and resilience of children in violent situations.

A younger sister who experiences fear firsthand but remains under protective care as events unfold. Her awareness of danger mirrors the tense atmosphere of the house, illustrating the human cost of violence. She relies on adults to shield her while confronting unsettling realities. Her character emphasizes innocence facing a breach of domestic safety.