Dr. Yu TsunNarrator and Protagonist
A former professor of English and a spy for the German Empire. He is fleeing Captain Madden and must deliver a secret to Berlin by murdering Dr. Albert.
Capt. Richard MaddenAntagonist
An Irishman working for the English. He is an implacable pursuer who has killed Runeberg and is hunting down Yu Tsun.
Viktor RunebergPrussian spy
Yu Tsun's fellow spy who is arrested or murdered by Captain Madden, signaling the end of their efforts.
Hans Rabener
Dr. Stephen AlbertEminent Sinologist
A tall man with sharp features who lives in Ashgrove. He has deciphered Ts'ui Pen's labyrinth and is murdered by Yu Tsun as part of a secret message.
Ts'ui PenYu Tsun's great-grandfather
Former governor of Yunan province who renounced his power to write an infinite, chaotic novel about time and build a labyrinth.
The LeaderCommander
A sick and hateful man in Berlin who is waiting for Yu Tsun's intelligence regarding the British artillery park.
Liddell HartHistorian
Author of The History of the World War, referenced in the opening frame.
Hsi P'engConsul
A Chinese consul mentioned by Dr. Albert as someone who might have sent Yu Tsun.
FangFictional character
A character in Ts'ui Pen's novel used by Albert to illustrate the branching, simultaneous outcomes of choices.