Moira Dillon: Michael’s wife, a beautiful but emotionally fragile woman struggling with bulimia. She loves Belfast and is blindsided by Michael’s affair and his willingness to risk her life to save others. After surviving the IRA ordeal, she transforms, finding strength to speak out against the violence as an anti-IRA advocate.

Andrea Baxter: A young Canadian journalist working for the BBC in Belfast, she’s Michael’s lover. Confident and principled, she’s about to move to London, prompting Michael to consider leaving Moira. Her relationship with Michael complicates his decisions throughout the crisis.

Kevin "Kev" McDowell: A young IRA volunteer involved in the plot to hold Michael and Moira hostage. He’s one of the masked intruders, and his identity becomes a threat to Michael later when the police pressure Michael to identify him.

Father Matt Connolly: A corrupt priest and Kevin’s uncle. He breaks the sanctity of confession by revealing Michael’s willingness to aid the police, indirectly sealing Michael’s fate with the IRA.

Inspector Randall: The police officer investigating the IRA’s actions at the Dillons’ home and the hotel. He pushes Michael to testify against the IRA, adding pressure to Michael’s already strained situation.