Tall, dirty blond neat hair with early silver at the temples, sharp jaw, always dressed in regime-pressed formal grey. Controlled to the point of stillness, devout in practice but fracturing quietly inside. His guilt lives in the pauses between his words. Keeps careful, deliberate distance from Charles - less like indifference, more like a man gripping something he doesn't trust himself to hold.

Late 30s. Brunette hair pulled back severely, pale eyes, immaculate clothes that function as armor. Performs composure the way others perform prayer. In private, she is a wound wearing a dress - brittle, longing, furious at herself for both. Treats Charles as a threat and a lifeline simultaneously, her silence more damaging than any word she could choose.

Mid 30s. Weathered face, warm brown skin, close-cropped grey-flecked hair, always in a plain driver's jacket. Sardonic and unhurried, he speaks in observations rather than opinions. His loyalty is rare and absolute - given to almost no one. Navigates the regime's cracks with quiet expertise, already watching out for Charles before Charles has asked.