The Tamarind Seed

A British Home Office assistant who is recently widowed and navigating a fragile emotional life. She encounters Sverdlov on vacation and becomes entangled in a growing romance that draws the attention of British intelligence. Her curiosity and resilience push her to confront the murky boundary between personal longing and political manipulation, especially when a tamarind seed becomes a symbol of trust and doubt.

A sophisticated Soviet attaché whose charm masks a calculating mind bent on recruitment and leverage. He dismisses folkloric tales as fairy tale while pressing for an alliance with Judith to secure his position and potential asylum. His actions trigger covert maneuvers, a dramatic airport showdown, and a strategic use of the ‘Blue’ file to manipulate both sides.

A seasoned British intelligence officer tasked with tracking the ‘Blue’ spy while warning Judith against potential manipulation. He orchestrates information flows and uses the possibility of a double agent to destabilize adversaries. Loder’s revelations later recalibrate Judith’s understanding of Sverdlov’s fate and the broader intelligence game.

A conduit of state secrets whose position attracts suspicion as the ‘Blue’ double agent narrative unfolds. His role embodies the dangers of being both source and target in the intelligence struggle. The unfolding events reveal how even trusted diplomats can become pivotal pieces in cross-border espionage.

A high-ranking Soviet general wary of Sverdlov’s ambitions and quick to curb perceived disloyalties. He orchestrates aggressive moves against adversaries and embodies the ruthless edge of state power in espionage. His presence catalyzes the clash between competing factions and the threats facing agents on the ground.

Wife of Fergus Stephenson, she becomes entangled in personal and political complexities, including an affair with George MacLeod. Her relationships illuminate the human collateral of espionage, where personal desires intersect with public duties and secrecy.

Loder’s assistant whose affair with Margaret Stephenson adds a layer of romantic and strategic tension to the plot. He is involved in the broader network of information exchange and the fragility of loyalties within the intelligence community.