War with the Newts

Main Characters and Their Development

• Captain Jan van Toch — a Dutch sailor who first discovers the newts on one of the Pacific islands. Initially portrayed as an adventurer and explorer, his attitude towards the newts changes as the story progresses. He begins to see them not just as exotic animals but as intelligent beings deserving of respect.
• G. H. Bondy — an industrialist and entrepreneur who sees the newts as a business opportunity. He organizes their mass capture and sale, leading to their spread worldwide. His character symbolizes soulless capitalism and the exploitation of natural resources.
• Dr. Pavel Wagner — a scientist who studies the newts and tries to understand their nature. He is one of the few who recognizes their intellectual abilities and potential threat to humanity. His development shows a transition from scientific interest to the realization of moral responsibility.
• The Newts — a collective character representing intelligent amphibians initially used by humans for various purposes. As the story unfolds, they become aware of their power and organize into a society capable of resisting human exploitation. Their development symbolizes the struggle for freedom and equality.