Cardinal Stephen Bem

Cardinal Bem is the story's main character. He is 56 years old, five feet ten inches tall with graying hair. He is physically fit for a man of his age, as he believes it is important to take care of one's physical health for the greater glorification of God. Cardinal Bem's father was a stable hand and then the trainer of the former Prince Rostropov's racehorses, a rank that was somewhat elevated among working men of that time. After his father's death, Cardinal Bem's mother worked as a cleaning lady in the Prime Minister's summerhouse.

Cardinal Bem is humble, recognizing his own shortcomings in his prayers to God, but sometimes can be blind to his own vanity in how he is granted the recognition and respect of his rank. For example, he will pray for the souls of people who plot against him, yet he feels very...