The Professional

A former literature professor who has become the manager of a large publishing house. He is sardonic, self-assured, and morally ambiguous, using his position and wit to navigate a volatile political landscape. His relationship with Marta reveals a more intimate, unstable side, while his past actions are constantly called into question by Luka's recollections.

A retired State Security officer who has followed Teja for years, compiling four books that expose Teja’s life. He presents himself as a storyteller and savior, yet his interventions reveal a calculating, obsessive streak. Now a cab driver, Luka wields intimate knowledge of Teja's flaws to control the present.

Teja's secretary and lover, a pragmatic and perceptive woman who becomes entangled in the misreadings and dangers surrounding Teja and Luka. She embodies emotional intensity and moral clarity, often acting as the heart of the group amid escalating tensions.

A large, gruff, chronically inebriated companion who loyalizes with Teja and the others. His blunt, rough presence provides a counterpoint to the more calculated scheming around Teja, illustrating how friendship manifests in a world of political strain.

A quirky, boastful, and frequently injured man who tags along with Teja and Maki. He embodies a comic relief that still hides a sharper edge, highlighting how people adapt in oppressive environments.

A State Security officer with a manipulative streak who plays the coded role of Trotsky. He uses his influence to agitate unions and to steer the events around Teja, representing institutional pressure and calculated menace.

Teja's father, a figure whose absence and funeral haunt Teja's memories. His death and Teja's fragmented family life underscore the loneliness and distance that mark Teja's personal history.

Teja's mother, a presence in the family narrative whose loneliness and neglect echo through Teja's decisions. Her character underscores the price of a life lived under strain and secrecy.