Jacob Jankowski
Jacob Jankowski is a main personage and protagonist of this novel. He is a veterinarian. According to his life story he appears as an honorable and sensual man. He always tries to find justice and proves that people are able to show restraint and consideration. When he loses his parents, he fights to the end and looks for better life. The Benzini Brothers' Circus is his only salvation. His strength of mind is shown in his deeds. Jacob saves and protects animals. He shows concern about the elephant Rosie. Jacob is very kind and brave man.
Marlena
Marlena is an amazing and beautiful woman in the novel. It seems that she is an ideal of a woman of the 1930s. She wears beautiful costumes during the circus show and attracts the auditorium. Everybody thinks that Marlena is happy and has a lovely husband. But in fact she suffers from the awful August’s treatment. Her husband always offends her and that’s why she finds peace of mind in Jacob’s care. She also likes animals, and the elephant Rosie becomes her best friend.
Rosie
Rosie is an elephant in the novel. She is an animal, but she is very clever and she even understands Polish language. Rosie is a devoted friend. She knows perfectly well who is friend or enemy. She respects Jacob and Marlena and revenges August for the careless treatment and indifference.
August
August is an antagonist, one who serves as a director of The Benzini Brothers' Circus. He seems to be a kind person, but his major goal is money. He does not spare artistes and animals of the Circus and forces them to work double tides. August is a selfish, greedy and egoistic man, who always thinks about the high income. However, his greediness will punish August before long.
