Tiger Bay

A Polish sailor who arrives in Cardiff intending to propose to Anya. When he discovers Anya has moved on, jealousy drives a violent act that ends in Anya’s murder. He hides the gun, befriends Gillie to evade capture, and ultimately confesses guilt after saving her from falling overboard, losing his chance of freedom as the Poloma sails away.

An eleven‑year‑old tomboy living with her aunt in a seedy dockside tenement. She witnesses the murder through a letter box, then lies about the killer while manipulating events to gain status. She befriends Bronek, leads him to a hiding place, and ultimately helps drive the investigation, even as her own credibility remains unreliable.

The police chief who leads the murder investigation. He deduces that Gillie witnessed the crime and navigates a trail of lies toward the killer, even as Bronek evades capture. He orchestrates the pursuit to the Poloma and makes the case hinge on jurisdiction limits at sea.

Bronek’s lover and a Polish exile who has moved on from their relationship with another man. Her murder is the catalyst for the entire investigation and Bronek’s downfall; her presence lingers through the knowledge that she chose someone else.

A married sportscaster and older man who had a private relationship with Anya. He becomes a prime suspect once Anya is found dead, but the evidence ultimately points to Bronek; his presence highlights the adult world’s complicities in the tragedy.

Captain of the Poloma, the Venezuelan merchant ship Bronek intends to flee on. He asserts command aboard and prevents the British captain from arresting Bronek when the ship lies just beyond the three‑mile limit, underscoring the international dimension of law and mercy.

Officer aboard the Poloma who carries out the ship’s command decisions during the tense pursuit and navigation near territorial waters.

A police inspector who interrogates Bronek and unravels the layers of deception surrounding the murder, reinforcing the procedural side of the story.

The local doctor who appears in the investigation scene, providing medical context to the aftermath of the crime.