Lewis Morgan
He is a British colonel who is tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of Hamburg and the de-Nazification of its residents. He is haunted by a tragic accident that occurred while he was serving in India and is wracked by feelings of guilt and responsibility. He is a complex character, who is trying to come to terms with his own past and the devastation caused by the war.
Katherine
A German widow who lost her husband in the war is left to care for her daughter, Freda. She is initially resentful of the British, but she and Lewis begin to form a bond as they share their experiences and try to rebuild their lives. She is also trying to come to terms with her guilt and the loss of her husband and the devastation caused by the war.
Rachael Morgan
She is Lewis's wife, who is struggling to adjust to life in post-war Hamburg. She is portrayed as a frail woman who is struggling with the harsh realities of living in a war-torn city.
Freda
Katherine's teenage daughter is also trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the war. She is a curious and resilient character, who serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of war on future generations.
Major Wade
He is Lewis's superior, who is in charge of the rebuilding efforts in Hamburg, He is portrayed as a ruthless and ambitious character, who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He has a strained relationship with Lewis, who is critical of his methods and priorities.
Fritz
Fritz is an ex-soldier turned black market dealer, who helps Lewis navigate the complex power dynamics of post-war Hamburg. He is portrayed as a street-smart survivor, who is able to navigate the moral ambiguities of the occupation.