Silence

Main Characters and Their Development

• Sebastian Rodrigues - a Portuguese Jesuit priest who travels to Japan to find his mentor who has renounced his faith. His faith and beliefs are severely tested as he encounters the brutal persecution of Christians.
• Cristóvão Ferreira - Rodrigues' former mentor who renounced Christianity under torture. His renunciation and subsequent life in Japan become central to Rodrigues' reflections on faith and betrayal.
• Francisco Garupe - another Jesuit priest who accompanies Rodrigues to Japan. He also faces trials of faith and ultimately dies trying to save Japanese Christians.
• Kichijiro - a Japanese Christian who repeatedly renounces his faith but continues to seek forgiveness. His weakness and cowardice contrast with Rodrigues' ideals, yet he ultimately becomes crucial to understanding human nature and mercy.