Waiting for the Barbarians

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Magistrate: the protagonist and narrator, who governs a small frontier town. Initially, he believes in the justice of the Empire but gradually begins to doubt its methods and moral principles. His attitude towards the barbarians and his own actions changes as he witnesses the Empire's cruelty and experiences torture himself.
• Colonel Joll: a representative of the Empire who arrives in town to investigate the supposed threat from the barbarians. He is cruel and ruthless, using torture to extract information. His methods and actions disgust the magistrate and become a catalyst for his internal conflict.
• The Barbarian Girl: a young woman captured by the Empire and subjected to torture. The magistrate takes her under his care and tries to help her recover. Through her suffering and interaction with her, the magistrate begins to realize the injustice and cruelty of the Empire.