Loretta Thurwar
Loretta is the novel’s central character, a courageous gladiator fighter who looks forward to winning her remaining battles to gain her freedom. The author describes Loretta as a quick, intelligent thinker, tactical brawler and highly motivated woman.
Loretta’s braveness has enabled them to win all her previous bloody fights. Loretta fights skillfully using her fatal hammer, Hass Omaha. When Loretta faces her fiercest competitor, Melancholia Bishop, she assures herself she has no option but to win. Loretta is also a compassionate and affectionate woman because she has a romantic relationship with Hamara.
Melancholia Bishop
Melancholia Bishop is a fierce gladiator struggling to finish her three-year fight to secure her freedom. Her fans know Melancholia as the “Mistress Murderer” because she leaves nothing to chance when fighting. The commentators introduce Melancholia as the “Murder Ballard” to show her experience in the gladiatorial games.
Hamara Staxxx
Hamara is a loving and compassionate inmate who participates in the gladiatorial system. Hamara has a sexual relationship with Loretta, and she always shows her affection. Hamara is in the same fighting link with Loretta, and she always supports and encourages her to ensure she wins all her games to progress to the next step.
The prison guards
The prison guards are described as brutal, inhuman and dangerous. Instead of helping the prisoners to reform in the correctional facilities, the guards participate in torturing the inmates. For instance, the corrections officers are racists because they implant magnets on Black inmates without their consent. In addition, the guards subject the inmates to dangerous and unhealthy living conditions.
The sponsors (corporate entities)
The sponsors are the corporate entities that sponsor the CAPE program and the gladiatorial system. The sponsors have created gladiator games involving inmates to maximize their profits. The gladiator fights have a huge following on television and in the arenas. The sponsors make a lot of money through advertisements and subscription fees. The sponsors operate in a capitalistic society because they are not concerned about the deaths of the inmates during the fights.
