Henri Alleg (Narrator)
Henri Alleg's The Question is an autobiographical piece detailing his prison sentence in Algeria. A Frenchman living in Algeria, Alleg is arrested by the French during the Battle of Algiers and imprisoned, seemingly without reason. While serving his sentence, Alleg is not only interrogated, but also tortured in an attempt to force personal information out of him. During his month-long sentence, Alleg keeps a hold of his sanity and triumphs over his torturers, refusing to speak.
While torture is generally thought of as unethical and morally wrong, Alleg portrays his torture as another way of life that others lived.
The Guards/Torturers
The torturers that Alleg encounters utilize a variety of methods to attempt to get Alleg to confess personal information. These cruel and inhumane methods were wrought on Alleg, who despite the torture, refused to speak. As the torture continues, it seems that the guards are doing it for enjoyment rather than for information.
Throughout his book, Alleg describes his torturers through different viewpoints. Although some of the guards were more sympathetic and went easier on the prisoners, others were merciless and seemingly souless.
