Gen Watanabe

There is no clear main character in this novel, but Gen Watanabe certainly is a central figure. Without him, the story would be a far different one. Thanks to his natural skill with languages and his ability to speak many different ones, Gen is able to facilitate communication between all of the characters, including the Red Cross negotiator Messner with the terrorists.

Gen is the translator for Mr. Hosokawa and is very loyal and educated, which Mr. Hosokawa appreciates. He comes from a mixed background; his parents spoke different languages, which encourages a natural love of languages in his life. For Gen, he is able to finally speak Russian with other Russians, whereas before he had only read the language in books. He switches easily from Spanish to Russian, English and Japanese and through his mouth, the other characters are able to hold full conversations. In this...