The Comedians

An English arms dealer whose visit to Haiti aims to seal a lucrative deal with the Duvalier government. Charismatic and calculating, he manipulates others to advance his interests, yet his plans unravel as the regime tightens its control. He is arrested, beaten, and jailed by Captain Concasseur when his contact falls from favor, and his actions ultimately lead to fatal consequences.

An American visitor who arrives to promote vegetarianism but quickly becomes entangled in Haiti’s political turmoil. His contact with the government ends in suicide to avoid torture, illustrating how outsiders can be pulled into dangerous negotiations. He is driven by self-interest, complicating alliances and risking others in the process.

The wife of Mr. Smith who accompanies him to Haiti. She serves as a calm, observant presence amid chaos, bearing witness to the regime’s brutality and the moral complexities surrounding her husband’s schemes. Her perspective underscores the impact of political violence on ordinary travelers.

Wife of the South American ambassador, Martha becomes Brown’s lover, entwining personal desire with political peril. She helps smuggle Jones out of the embassy, risking her position and safety. Her actions expose the dual pressures of romance and survival within a regime that tolerates little dissent.

The hotel owner in Port-au-Prince who tries to stay apolitical while navigating dangerous loyalties. He shelters Jones and mediates between rival factions, driven by a mix of self-preservation and protectiveness toward Martha. His choices pull him deeper into the conflict, eventually leading him to join the rebels for the greater good.

A Haitian military captain who enforces the regime’s power through coercion and threats. He arrests Jones, extorts Brown, and uses intimidation to maintain order within the embassy. He ultimately delivers the lethal act against Jones, illustrating the regime’s ruthlessness.

Nephew of the suicide minister, Philipot leads a small but determined rebel faction aiming to overthrow Duvalier. He leverages Brown’s influence to bolster the rebellion and hopes to reshape the country’s future. His leadership blends ambition with a willingness to take risks to achieve political change.

A physician who aligns with the revolutionary cause, intending to train and equip the rebels. His plans to bolster the rebel ranks put him in harm’s way as the Tontons Macoute close in. He is ultimately killed by the regime’s enforcers, underscoring the cost of resistance.

South American ambassador and husband of Martha Pineda. His diplomatic position places him at the intersection of foreign interests and Haiti’s internal conflict. He navigates precarious political ground as the regime clamps down on foreign emissaries, highlighting the international dimension of the crisis.