The Broker

Main Characters and Their Development

• Joel Backman - The main character of the book, a former influential lobbyist in Washington who ends up in prison due to a scandal involving the sale of secret information. After six years of imprisonment, he unexpectedly receives a pardon and finds himself in Italy under CIA protection. Throughout the book, Backman undergoes internal changes as he tries to adapt to a new life and come to terms with his past mistakes.
• Luigi - An Italian mentor and handler assigned to Joel Backman by the CIA. He helps Backman settle in Italy, teaching him the language and culture. Luigi plays a crucial role in Backman's life, providing support and becoming his friend.
• Francis Shepard - A CIA agent who monitors Backman in Italy. He follows orders from his superiors but gradually develops sympathy for Backman and begins to question the righteousness of his actions.
• Jamal - A young Pakistani hacker who developed the satellite system that led to the scandal involving Backman. His invention attracted the attention of various governments and intelligence agencies, setting off the events of the book.