The Portuguese monarch who initially rejects Columbus's westward route proposal, directly prompting the navigator's pivot to the Spanish court for funding.
Cardinal who interrogates Martin Luther in Augsburg in 1518, representing the Church's official stance against his teachings on indulgences.
An inspector who helps lead the investigation into Sylvia Leopardi's murder alongside Ferrot.
The Roman prefect who fears that Jesus's popularity could provoke a political uprising in Jerusalem.
Paul is Jeanne's cousin and a priest who encounters her at a funeral after a year apart. He listens as she recounts her destructive relationships and repeatedly questions her claim that she has killed someone. Although disturbed by her confession, he remains with her, eventually having sex with Jeanne before she meets her final fate.
Volkmar von Plessen is presented as Erich's childhood friend within the chateau circle. He informs Sophie about Erich's attraction to Conrad, revealing a secret that helps drive her decision to leave the household and join the Bolsheviks. His information deepens the emotional conflict between Sophie and Erich.
Pilatus is a Roman authority whose power is central to Joseph’s proposed intervention. Thomas seeks Joseph’s help because Joseph may be able to use Pilatus’s authority to have the guards removed from the tomb. The plot does not show Pilatus taking direct action, but his authority shapes the plan and the danger surrounding the disciples.
Christian is Anne's former partner and an airline pilot. He visits Anne to say that their relationship is over and that he will return to his wife, then is seen by François traveling through Paris with the Blonde Woman. His ambiguous behavior drives François's suspicions and the day's pursuit.
A teenage boy returning from boarding school, struggling with an Oedipus complex. He engages in a sexual relationship with Roberta, drives recklessly, and accidentally hits a motorcyclist. He navigates ideological debates with his friend Umberto, faces police intervention, and ultimately asserts his independence before running playfully in the snow.
A disturbed American Vietnam War deserter who breaks into a Belfast residence, holds eight nursing students hostage, and systematically murders them. He reveals a 'born for hell' tattoo, attempts suicide, and is ultimately apprehended by a surgeon.
Thomas Törleß is the central student protagonist, who arrives at the academy and observes the abuse of Anselm von Basini by Reiting and Beineberg with detached intellectual curiosity. His interest in imaginary numbers parallels his effort to understand cruelty, and he ultimately rejects participation in it, leaves the academy, and departs with his mother.
Mathieu Carrière has 144 screen credits in a career dating back to 1964. Their work is anchored in the Close to Jesus Collection universe with 2 titles. Signature works include Christopher Columbus: The Discovery, Shining Through, Love Rites. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Related entry on Wikidata (Q66423), public domain (CC0).
