Who is Jenda, Auntie, Franta, Vlada and Marta, and Zdena from Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968 and what is their importance?

The seven named individuals are pre-war acquaintances of Kovály who remain living in Prague during late 1944. After escaping from Nazi imprisonment, Kovály calls on them each, requesting assistance. Jenda had often professed a willingness to help under any circumstances but in the event offers little more than a cup of tea and bad advice. Auntie, an acquaintance of Kovály's parents, likewise offers some food but little else. Franta, another friend, is afraid to even be seen with Kovály.

After the war, Franta remains a friend, however, and is involved in politics. Vlada and Marta are a couple—Vlada has spent the war boasting to Marta of his connections with the local resistance, so when Kovály appears Marta is happy to offer assistance only to discover that Vlada's declamations have all been lies—he has passed his time away from home at the pub, drinking. Zdena offers food and one night's shelter, but that is all. Fortunately, Marta is able to contact Ruda, a real partisan, and secure long-term assistance for Kovály. It is interesting to note that all of those who refuse to offer substantive help justify their personal terror through some appeal to common sense.