Colonia penitenciară characters

Appears from the start

A foreign visitor invited to observe an execution in a remote penal colony. He approaches the event as an outsider and listens carefully to the officer's explanation, while his hosts assume that his opinion may influence the colony's future practices.

Appears from the start

The military official responsible for operating the colony's execution apparatus. Proud of its elaborate construction and deeply loyal to the former commandant who designed it, he personally prepares the condemned man for punishment and explains the procedure to the visiting explorer.

Appears from the start

A soldier sentenced to the apparatus after failing in his duty toward a superior. He has not been told his sentence and has had no opportunity to defend himself. Chained nearby, he cannot understand the language in which the officer and explorer discuss his fate.

Appears from the start

A guard assigned to control the condemned man and assist with the execution. He follows the officer's practical directions and watches the apparatus with curiosity.

First appears in chapter 3

The colony's deceased former ruler and the designer of its punishment machine. The officer remembers him as a commander, judge, engineer, and public authority whose executions once attracted large crowds.

First appears in chapter 5

The colony's current ruler, who has withdrawn support from the execution apparatus and from the officer who maintains it. Although he has not formally abolished the old practice, the officer believes he is allowing it to disappear through neglect and changing public opinion.