12-year-old son of Jacob and Martha. Obsessed with broadcast news about Patrice Lumumba and the Congo. Escapes into the forest, meeting Agnes and learning to breathe underwater. Experiences sexual confrontations with her while grappling with his mother's escalating religious delusions.
Father-son relationship strained by household chaos and Jacob's inability to manage family dynamics.
Mother-son bond marked by emotional distance as Martha retreats into fasting and Thomas seeks forest escapism.
Indirect conflict as Anton's violent patrols threaten Thomas's secluded forest sanctuary.
Shared experience of living in a surreal, decaying environment that shapes their daily lives.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Northerners