The Randall family:
David Randall: Governor-elect of Maryland at the beginning of the novel. Takes office in January. A retired Marine Lt. General. A brilliant and highly educated military officer who speaks several languages. Author of a best-selling book on fighting terrorism. Reserved, politically astute, a man who can do what is necessary.
Meredith Randall: His wife, rebellious daughter of a Wall Street tycoon who becomes, much to her surprise, a highly supportive wife of an ambitious military officer, but whose breast cancer truncates his career.
Gen. Peter Randall, USMC-Ret, "The General." David's crusty and calculating father, a Medal of Honor winner, one of the most decorated Marines in history, who has been highly influential in the Corps, and whose heroic character is tested once again.
Maj. David Randall, USA: Eldest son of David and Meredith, who recovers from post traumatic stress syndrome caused by extensive combat to find love and to remind his father of The General.
Peter Randall: Second son of David and Meredith, who follows his maternal grandfather into a Wall Street career, and becomes a father on the day everything changes.
Katherine Randall: Beautiful and flamboyant daughter of David and Meredith, who reminds David of his wife when they met, who has to mature rather suddenly.
Helen Randall: Youngest child of David and Meredith, who carries on the family tradition of attending the Naval Academy, and adds significantly to the family heroric heritage.
Others:
Dillon Connor: A former Marine and CIA agent who lost a foot in Afghanistan and now practices law in Baltimore. A close friend of Randall's,he is the catalyst in this novel who begins the unraveling of the early mysteries and is at the center of much of the action.
The President: An astute politician late in his second term of office, who faces enormous personal tragedy.
Admiral Denton Lane: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, whose dedication to the preservation of the American democracy is severely tested.
Cranson Gallagher: Semi-retired legendary CIA officer, Connor's former boss, who itches to be back in action, and gets his chance.
Abdul-Kahliq Mohammed, AKA Roberta Salazar: Brilliant and cold-blooded head of the terrorist group.
Dr. Ibrahim Moussef: Fugitive Pakistani nuclear scientist who has "much to be ashamed of."
