The Inspector

Captain Brandt is crusty but goodhearted, owner of a barge who provides a wary shelter for Lisa and Jongman. He embodies practical generosity and steadiness in a world scarred by war, acting as a moral anchor during their voyage toward safety.

Dutch police inspector haunted by guilt over his Jewish fiancée's death. He seeks redemption by helping Lisa reach Palestine, balancing duty with compassion and wrestling with whether to surrender to stand trial.

A Auschwitz survivor who fears exploitation and medical experimentation. Her hope to reach Palestine is tempered by trauma and a wary, cautious love for Jongman, shaping every risky decision on their journey.

Ex-Nazi who manipulates Lisa for profit, representing the lingering danger of war criminals seeking advantage in the postwar world. His confrontation with Jongman culminates in a deadly moment that tests both men.

Dutch smuggler who arranges passage to Palestine, threading arms smuggling with dubious contracts. He embodies the gray economic morality of the era, where survival can hinge on questionable deals.

A British agent who becomes a crucial, morally complex ally and obstacle in the pursuit of Lisa’s fate. His involvement underscores the reach of wartime diplomacy and justice.

American agent who initially helps but then urges Lisa to testify at the war trials. His stance highlights tensions between mercy, accountability, and the politics of postwar justice.

Jongman’s sister who provides family ties and practical support, illustrating the domestic links that anchor his decisions in the broader human stakes of the escape.

Jongman’s mother, initially skeptical of Lisa but gradually supportive as the truth about trauma comes to light—reflecting generational attitudes toward outsiders and suffering.

A wary figure encountered on the journey, contributing to the sense of danger and the intricate web of loyalties among travelers and authorities.

A police figure representing postwar law enforcement who challenges Jongman’s actions and probes the circumstances surrounding Thorens’s death.