Raymond Shaw

Raymond is the novel's protagonist, the main character. He served as a sergeant in the Korean War, where he was brainwashed by a Soviet and Russian and programmed to become a sleeper assassination in service of the communists. In the army, he was known as an expert marksman, capable of felling anything he aimed a weapon at. Upon returning from the war, he takes up a job at the Daily Press, rising to become the political columnist when his Soviet controllers activate his programming and have him kill his boss.

Arthur Mavole

The father of Raymond's dead comrade Eddie, Arthur Mavole makes a long appearance at the beginning of the book. He is a small, constantly sweating man whose demeanor enrages Raymond even while he tries to show sympathy for the family.

Eddie Mavole

Eddie was a member of Raymond's unit during the Korean War. He was...