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The Traveler

The protagonist of the story. Also translated as “the Explorer,” the Traveler is a European man, invited by the current Commandant of a penal colony of exiled prisoners to witness an execution in order to support the growing opinion that reform is needed. At first the Traveler appears bored and disinterested. However, he grows increasingly curious and ultimately horrified by the instrument of execution, its use, and the lack of a fair judicial system.

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The Officer

The antagonist of the story. Although he describes himself as young, the Officer is part of an old system to which he has the loyalty of a zealot. He is self-righteous and arrogant while also being an enthusiastic advocate for the apparatus and the system of justice it both represents and serves. The Officer’s devotion to the former Commandant makes him desperate for the Traveler’s approval of the methods he clings to in opposition to the new Commandant.

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The Soldier

A man who guards the condemned. He is a silent presence whose purpose is to hold the chains binding the condemned man and make sure he does not flee from his execution. He seems more connected to the condemned man than to the Officer.

The Condemned Man

A man scheduled to be executed in the apparatus. He is described as submissive and dull. He never speaks but expresses curiosity about the machine he will be executed by.

The Commandant

The leader of the penal colony. He is described by the Officer as inferior to his predecessor. He surrounds himself with soft-hearted ladies, which implies his intention to discontinue the barbaric practices to which the Officer is devoted.

The Old Commandant

The former leader of the penal colony. Obviously a harsh and severe man, the old Commandant commanded the respect of the Officer.

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