Tobruk

A disciplined leader who refines the infiltration plan and commands the mission. He relies on trust within his inner circle and pushes for a bold, deceptive approach to reach Tobruk’s defenses. His decisions shape the operation, balancing risk with the larger objective. He is killed in a diversion to cover Craig and Krug's escape.

A Canadian-born officer of the Long Range Desert Group who leads the field component of the operation. He navigates minefields and ambushes, negotiating with Tuareg for prisoner exchanges when needed. His skepticism about internal trust issues is balanced by his practical focus on the mission’s success. He survives the journey back to safety with Krug.

Senior commander of the LRDG coordinating the behind-enemy-lines effort. He emphasizes discipline and cautions against letting personal grievances derail the mission. He confronts the traitor within their circle and dies after shooting von Kruger, maintaining the operation’s stubborn resolve.

A seasoned non-commissioned officer who orchestrates the deception on the ground to gain precious minutes. He keeps the team moving under pressure and ensures the plan remains intact despite looming danger. His tactical instincts help the group slip away from immediate capture.

A SIG member whose reliability is later revealed to be compromised when he is identified as the German intelligence officer von Kruger. He embodies the mission's core risk: trusted allies may hide treacherous agendas. His actions catalyze a climactic struggle over loyalty and truth.

A ruthless, hard-edged member of Bergman’s inner circle. He executes high-pressure maneuvers and presses the team toward the edge of danger. His presence underscores the film’s harsh view of command under strain.

A German commander involved in the defense and counteractions surrounding Tobruk. He represents the organized and formidable opposition the infiltrators must outwit through cunning and perseverance.

Father of Cheryl Portman who carries documents signed by the Grand Mufti and Kesselring. His capture heightens the mission’s stakes, as the papers hint at broader geopolitical schemes.

Henry Portman’s daughter; she is captured, wounded, and ultimately dies by cyanide during the mission. Her role underscores the civilian costs intertwined with wartime espionage.

A SIG member whose murder is discovered during the mission, signaling escalating danger and the price of betrayal within the ranks.

Private who meets a fatal end after stumbling upon a cache of English pounds and attempting to steal it, illustrating the mission’s moral hazards and temptations.

Private who dies while the group is drawn into a dangerous scramble over the same cache of money, highlighting the cost of pursuit and greed in wartime espionage.