Under Fire

A veteran photojournalist who covers a Chad-based conflict and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of political intrigue. He grapples with whether to expose the truth or protect sources and colleagues, and his decisions are colored by personal loyalties and ethical concerns. Throughout the narrative, Russell remains driven to document events while avoiding taking sides in a volatile war.

A friend of Russell who plans to leave frontline reporting for a lucrative anchoring job in New York. He is both a foil and ally, whose ambitions and shared history with Russell complicate journalistic choices and personal loyalties. His arc highlights the allure and cost of moving away from on-the-ground reporting.

A fellow journalist involved with Russell, whose relationship with him tests ethical boundaries and professional loyalties. She assists in shaping the rebels' narrative while wrestling with personal betrayals and the consequences of sensational reporting. Claire's actions drive key moments of the story and the moral questions at its core.

A mercenary whose loyalties shift with the political winds, acting as both a dangerous ally and a ruthless antagonist. He participates in arrests and executions, and his actions force Russell and Claire to confront the human cost of war and the ethics of covering it. Oates embodies the ruthless pragmatism found in war zones.

A French spy connected to Somoza who feeds information to both sides to manipulate journalists and capture photographs of rebel leadership for targeted assassinations. Jazy’s manipulation exposes how espionage can drive conflict and distort reporting. His presence underscores the moral hazards of external interference in war journalism.