The narrator

The narrator, likely an autobiographical reflection of Peter Schneider himself, has called West Berlin home for over two decades. Much like Schneider, the narrator's life is deeply intertwined with the presence of the Berlin Wall, which he has often crossed to visit East Berlin and the broader German Democratic Republic. With a keen interest in the divide between East and West Berlin, he embarks on a journey to pen a narrative about "wall jumpers," individuals who defy the barriers set by the Wall. This quest leads him across the Wall repeatedly, where he collects stories from friends and acquaintances, weaving them into his imaginative creations.

Despite his physical crossings, the narrator finds himself trapped by an invisible wall in his mind, symbolizing his internal conflict between the "here" and the "over there" of the Wall. This mental division mirrors the broader geopolitical split of Germany itself. His memories, stretching back to the devastation of World War II and the subsequent division of his homeland, haunt him, causing an enduring fracture in his psyche. Ultimately, despite his efforts to overcome this mental barrier, his campaign is stymied by the denial of entry into East Berlin, reinforcing the futility of bridging the ideological chasm.

Robert

A poet who has migrated from East to West Berlin, Robert embodies the quintessential Berliner, adapting swiftly to his new environment while maintaining a strong sense of skepticism towards authority. As a neighbor and friend of the narrator, Robert’s storytelling becomes a pivotal element in unveiling the narratives of other "wall jumpers," such as Mr. Kabe and Walter Bolle. His sharp cynicism allows him to perceive hidden motives behind apparent coincidences, providing a deeper insight into the political nuances that permeate their lives. Robert's tales not only enrich the narrator’s understanding but also highlight the complexities of living under the shadow of the Berlin Wall.

Lena

Lena, once romantically linked with the narrator, made her escape from East to West Berlin in 1961. Her experience underscores the pervasive distrust that the Wall instilled in personal relationships, as evidenced by her suspicion of the narrator’s absences. During a return visit to East Berlin, accompanied by the narrator, she confronts the loss of security she once knew, which still holds sway over her psyche. Although her interactions in the present revolve more around Robert, the narrator is left to engage in an imagined dialogue with her, reflecting on their past and the persistent impact of the Wall on their lives and relationships.

Pommerer

Pommerer, an East Berlin author, stands as a testament to the literary spirit constrained by political divides. His narratives, shared with the narrator, include the misadventures of cinema-going teenagers and the daring exploits of Michael Gartenschläger. Pommerer's own experiences of bureaucratic retaliation, such as the frequent outages of his telephone after protesting against governmental fines, illustrate the subtle pressures exerted by East German authorities. These experiences nurture his contemplation of leaving East Germany, mirroring the real and psychological crossings that characterize the lives of those living in Berlin’s divided landscape.

Mr. Kabe

Mr. Kabe, a middle-aged welfare recipient, becomes an infamous figure as a "border violator". His rebellions against the Wall are marked by repeated crossings from West to East Berlin, using a rubble heap as his makeshift stairway. Despite facing imprisonment and attempts at institutionalization, Mr. Kabe remains undeterred, continuing his defiant acts with a peculiar sense of freedom gained from his antics. Over time, he garners notoriety for his unorthodox protest, having jumped the Wall an impressive fifteen times, each act a testament to his indomitable spirit and a stark symbol of...