Character Relationship Map: Occupation

Characters

• Mike Swift (played by James Nesbitt) — protagonist

  One of the three British Army soldiers following the 2003 invasion of Basra to 2007. He is inspired to return to the region driven by personal reasons centered on love.

• Danny Ferguson (played by Stephen Graham) — supporting

  One of the three British Army soldiers. His journey spans from the 2003 invasion to 2007, and he returns to Basra motivated primarily by monetary gain.

• Lee Hibbs (played by Warren Brown) — supporting

  A British Army soldier featured in the serial. He returns to Iraq driven by a strong belief in the military mission to rebuild the country.

• Erik Lester (played by Nonso Anozie) — supporting
• Aliya Nabil (played by Lubna Azabal) — supporting
• Nicky Swift (played by Monica Dolan) — supporting
• Jess Swift (played by Charlotte Wakefield) — supporting
• Richard Swift (played by Andrew Roberts) — supporting
• Mrs Hibbs (played by Anna Jaskolka) — supporting
• Mr Hibbs (played by Stephen Bent) — supporting
• Katy Hibbs (played by Laura Donnelly) — supporting
• Bruno (played by Emmanuel Ighodaro) — minor
• Yunis (played by Lewis Alsamari) — minor
• Maysa (played by Ruby Butcher) — minor
• Taff (played by Karl Ives) — minor
• Dr Sadiq Alasadi (played by Igal Naor) — minor
• Laing (played by Dan Fox) — minor
• Davis (played by Michael Colgan) — minor
• Mac (played by Dessie Gallagher) — minor
• Keri (played by Bronágh Taggart) — minor

Story Analysis

Three British soldiers return to post-invasion Basra, confronting personal motives against the harsh reality of war and reconstruction.

Plot Progression

1. Invasion and Deployment
2. Return to Basra
3. Cracks in the Mission
4. Aftermath and Departure