Tomorrow, the World!

A German orphan who arrives in the United States under the care of his uncle, carrying the weight of Nazi indoctrination. He parrots Third Reich slogans, dons a Nazi armband, and treats those around him as enemies. His hostility and manipulation create a ruptured dynamic in the Frame household, culminating in violent acts. The arc follows his awakening to guilt and the possibility of redemption through the family's compassionate guidance.

A gently liberal university professor who hosts Emil and becomes his American guardian. He champions universal peace and looks for the good in Emil, resisting punitive reactions. He grapples with responsibility and the risk of escalation, modeling a humane response to extremism. His actions frame the film's message about compassion and accountability.

Mike's relative who embodies traditional concerns amid wartime tensions. Her jealousy and emotional tension add complexity to the relationships within the Frame family. She provides a counterpoint to the more progressive inclinations of other family members, highlighting the imperfect nature of even well-meaning people. Her reactions contribute to the moral crossroads the family faces.

A minor neighbor and routine figure in the Frames' community, serving as a reminder of ordinary life amid the extraordinary conflict unfolding in the household. He represents the everyday America that remains vulnerable to the dramas within the Frame home. His presence underscores the contrast between public normalcy and private extremism.

Mike's daughter and Emil's cousin who embodies courage and compassion. She tries to reach out to Emil with kindness, witnesses his dangerous behavior, and ultimately helps catalyze his moment of remorse. Her bravery in standing up to fear and hatred underscores the film's message about empathy and resilience. She is a moral anchor in the narrative's most testing moments.

Emil's teacher and later part of the broader family circle, Leona is a Jewish woman who embodies tolerance and humane counterpoints to propaganda. She challenges Emil's beliefs with patience and compassion, risking personal conflict to guide him toward accountability. Her influence helps shape the possibility of Emil's redemption and a healthier family dynamic.

The Frames' German maid who becomes entangled in Emil's efforts to recruit others. She represents the vulnerable, ordinary people affected by extremist rhetoric and serves as a cautionary figure about indoctrination infiltrating private life. Her role highlights the broader reach of ideological manipulation within a household.

One of Emil's schoolmates who witnesses the escalating conflict and is among those who help apprehend him. His presence reflects the social ripple effects of Emil's behavior within the peer group and the community. His scenes illustrate the collective effort to intervene in extremist influence.