Character Relationship Map: Shake Hands with the Devil

Characters

• Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire (played by Roy Dupuis) — protagonist

  The protagonist and UN Force Commander in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. He struggles to protect civilians against overwhelming violence while navigating restrictive UN mandates and international ap...

• Brigadier General Henry Anyidoho (played by Owen Sejake) — protagonist

  A Ghanaian Brigadier General serving as Dallaire's deputy in UNAMIR. He provides steadfast moral and military support amid the collapsing peacekeeping mission.

• Major Brent Beardsley (played by James Gallanders) — supporting

  A US Army Major acting as Dallaire's interpreter and closest operational partner. He plays a vital role in communication, decision-making, and maintaining morale under extreme pressure.

• Bangladeshi Commander (played by Strini Pillai) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire → Bangladeshi Commander (Power Commanding Officer) — Dallaire directs the Bangladeshi forces to shelter refugees as the violence escalates.

  Dallaire orders the Bangladeshi forces to protect refugees and insists that they act as though the refugees deserve protection.

• Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire → Major Brent Beardsley (Professional Commander And Operational Partner) — Beardsley works closely with Dallaire on communication and operational decisions during the crisis.

  The character profile describes Beardsley as Dallaire's interpreter and closest operational partner, involved in communication and decision-making.

• Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire → Brigadier General Henry Anyidoho (Professional Deputy And Moral Supporter) — Anyidoho serves as Dallaire's deputy and supports him as the peacekeeping mission collapses.

  The character profile identifies Anyidoho as Dallaire's deputy in UNAMIR and says he provides steadfast moral and military support.

Story Analysis

Dallaire struggles to protect civilians in Rwanda while restrictive mandates and international inaction undermine the peacekeeping mission.

Plot Progression

1. A Mission Built on Hope — Dallaire arrives in Rwanda to lead UNAMIR and sees a chance for peace despite the country's history of conflict. Anyidoho and Beardsley join the mission as its work begins.
2. The Peace Begins to Fracture — Reports of illegal weapons and the inability to shelter an informer expose the mission's limits. Attacks on Tutsi civilians and pressure to prepare an evacuation deepen the crisis.
3. Refugees Under Protection — After peacekeepers are killed and hate broadcasts encourage mass murder, thousands of refugees seek safety at UNAMIR compounds. Dallaire orders Bangladeshi forces to protect them and refuses to withdr...
4. Holding On Without Relief — UNAMIR remains with sharply reduced forces, failing vehicles, and dwindling supplies. The mission continues its efforts to protect civilians and provide aid while its compound and hospital come under...