Early 20s Dark circles under brown eyes, broad-shouldered but hunched inward, worn linen coat, dirt at his cuffs. Protective by instinct but cornered by debt and desperation. He tells himself he had no choice, then cannot hold his sister's gaze. Loves Guest deeply but has already half-betrayed her, and every look she gives him costs him something.

Late 40s Greying temples, once-strong frame now stooped, sunken eyes, plain dark coat hanging loose on hollow shoulders. A man gutted by grief, moving through days like a ghost. He knows he should have fought harder and cannot forgive himself. Loves Guest with the last of what he has, but his silence during her arrest left a wound between them that neither has named.

50s Sharp grey eyes behind a severe brow, silver-streaked hair pulled back, immaculate dark magistrate coat with brass buttons. Methodical and self-righteous, he wields the law like scripture. He offers mercy only to make compliance feel like relief. Views Guest as a problem to be resolved cleanly, her fear reading to him as proof of guilt.