Valley of the Wolves: Iraq

A former Turkish intelligence agent who travels to Iraq seeking vengeance for his friend Suleyman’s humiliation in the Hood event. He is resourceful, calculating, and willing to break rules to achieve his aims, leading a small team through dangerous operations. His single-minded pursuit of justice drives much of the film’s action and moral tension.

An American commander responsible for the Hood incident and the harsh measures used during the operation. He embodies authority and rigidity, risking civilian lives to maintain control. His actions provoke Polat’s pursuit and fuel the cycle of retaliation that unfolds.

A bride who survives the Kurdish wedding massacre and seeks revenge. Her arc includes a temptation toward suicide bombing, which is ultimately tempered by a sheikh’s intervention. She becomes a pivotal figure whose choices influence the course of the conflict and Polat’s plans.

A respected sheikh whose authority spans rebel and local communities. He acts as a mediator, preventing the execution of a journalist and guiding others toward restraint in the heat of violence. His presence underscores the moral complexity within the conflict.

A Western journalist embedded in the conflict, witnessing the brutality and propaganda of war. His role highlights the dangers faced by reporters and the ethical pressures of covering a volatile situation. He becomes a focal point around whom questions of truth and responsibility orbit.

The Kurdish wedding groom whose life is irrevocably altered by a massacre. His death embodies the indiscriminate violence of war and the personal losses endured by ordinary people. His fate helps catalyze the revenge and sorrow that permeate the narrative.

A loyal ally to Polat, skilled in combat and operations. He provides practical support and acts as a steady counterbalance to Polat’s intensifying pursuit. His presence anchors the team’s capabilities amid chaotic warfare.

A figurehead among Kurdish factions, whose stance influences rebel actions and negotiations. His leadership reflects the political dimensions of the conflict and the fragile alliances shaping outcomes on the ground.

A prominent Arab leader involved in the broader insurgent dynamic. His role emphasizes the regional and sectarian strands within the fighting, complicating attempts at peace or restraint.

Regional Turkmen leader whose involvement underscores the multiethnic texture of the conflict. He operates within the shifting power balances of the area and contributes to the volatile political landscape.