Character guide

Frederick Barnet

major

Also known as Barnet, VI Barnet, V Frederick Barnet, Mylius

A central character and narrator, involved in the early development of atomic energy.

Marcus Karenin

major

Also known as Karenin, old Karenin, Marcus, II Karenin, X Karenin

A visionary leader and key figure in the post-war world government.

Firmin

supporting

Also known as Firmin—they

A prominent scientist and colleague of Holsten in atomic research.

Young Holsten

major

Also known as Holsten, Young Holsten, III Holsten, no Holsten

A brilliant physicist who discovers the secret of atomic energy.

Marshal Dubois

supporting

Also known as Dubois, old Dubois

A French military commander during the last war.

The Woman at the Window

minor

Also known as herself, her.

A mysterious female figure observed by Barnet, symbolizing lost love.

Fowler

supporting

An American journalist and commentator on world affairs.

Doctor Pestovitch

supporting

Also known as Pestovitch, presently Pestovitch

A Russian physician and political figure during the war.

King Egbert

minor

Also known as Gilbert, Egbert

A European monarch involved in pre-war diplomacy.

Leblanc

minor

Also known as a Leblanc, the indefatigable Leblanc, the admirable Leblanc, Madame Leblanc

A French scientist and colleague of Holsten.

Rachel Borken

minor

Also known as Rachel

A woman connected to Barnet, appearing in his memories.

Gardener

minor

Also known as young Gardener

A young man associated with the early atomic experiments.

Kahn

minor

Also known as Kahn.⁠

An industrialist and financier in the pre-war era.

Bismarck

minor

Also known as Old Bismarck

The historical German chancellor, referenced as a political force.

King Ferdinand Charles

minor

Also known as Ferdinand Charles, King Ferdinand, Charles

A European king during the war period.

Peter

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or associate.

Edith Haydon

minor

Also known as Edith

A woman in Barnet's social circle.

Lawson

minor

An acquaintance of Barnet's.

General Viard

minor

Also known as Viard

A French general in the last war.

Sir Philip Dass

minor

Also known as Dass, the discredited Dass

A disgraced British official.

Edwards

minor

A minor character in the narrative.

The Judge

minor

Also known as the judge

A presiding judge in a post-war trial.

Kurt

minor

A German character during the war.

Napoleon

minor

Historical figure referenced as a comparison.

The American

minor

An unnamed American character in the narrative.

Old Broomie

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant.

Abel

minor

A biblical figure referenced in the text.

Ciana

minor

A minor female character.

Helen of Holloway

minor

Also known as Helen

A character mentioned in passing.

Hyslop

minor

A minor character in the story.

Tchen

minor

An Asian character mentioned briefly.