G. H. Bondy

Rudy Marek

Bondy and Marek are close friends and business associates, with Marek often acting as Bondy's confidant and partner in the chaos caused by the Absolute.

Machat

Machat is Bondy's secretary or assistant, handling business correspondence and organizational tasks for Bondy's industrial empire.

Bishop Linda

Bishop Linda opposes Bondy's secular and industrial influence, representing the church's struggle against the chaos unleashed by the Absolute.

Ellen

Ellen is Bondy's wife or romantic partner, often concerned about his safety and the moral implications of his dealings with the Absolute.

Dr. Hubka

Dr. Hubka is a scientist or engineer who advises Bondy on the technical and philosophical aspects of the Absolute.

Old Rosenthal

Old Rosenthal is a business associate or financier involved in Bondy's industrial ventures, often skeptical of the Absolute's impact.

Cyril Keval

Cyril Keval is an acquaintance of Bondy, occasionally interacting with him in the broader social and intellectual circles affected by the Absolute.

Rudy Marek

Bondy and Marek are close friends and business associates, with Marek often acting as Bondy's confidant and partner in the chaos caused by the Absolute.

Rudy Marek

Bondy and Marek are close friends and business associates, with Marek often acting as Bondy's confidant and partner in the chaos caused by the Absolute.

Bishop Linda

Bishop Linda opposes Bondy's secular and industrial influence, representing the church's struggle against the chaos unleashed by the Absolute.

Machat

Machat is Bondy's secretary or assistant, handling business correspondence and organizational tasks for Bondy's industrial empire.

Bishop Linda

Bishop Linda opposes Bondy's secular and industrial influence, representing the church's struggle against the chaos unleashed by the Absolute.

I: The Advertisement

Chairman of the Metallo-Electrical Company, reading the newspaper on New Year's Day 1943; reflects on the economic crisis and his old schoolfellow Marek.

II: The Karburator

Visits Marek, initially skeptical but becomes awestruck after experiencing the Karburator's effects.

III: Pantheism

Recovers from a transcendent experience in the cellar; struggles to rationalize it as poisoning; agrees to consider Marek's invention despite its disturbing effects.

IV: God in the Cellar

Listens to Marek's revelation about the Karburator and the Absolute, proposes negotiating with God, and plans to commercialize the invention.

Bishop Linda

Chairman discussing the spread of religious ecstasy and negotiating with Bishop Linda over the Karburator's future.

VI: The Board-Meeting

Chairman of the M.E.C., defends the Karburator and threatens resignation.

VII: Developments

Horrified by the religious mania among his directors and the Sugar Bank collapse, but also elated by the global success of the Karburator; reluctantly agrees to attend the ceremonial lighting.

IX: The Ceremony

Chairman of the M.E.C., present at the ceremony; he flees in terror after the Karburator is activated.

X: Saint Ellen

Wanders Prague, contemplates the economic ruin caused by the Karburator, and confronts Ellen about thought-reading.

XIII: The Chronicler’s Apology

The chronicler wishes he could reveal the workings of Bondy's brain.

XV: Disaster

Referenced indirectly as part of the industrial context, but not directly active in this chapter.

XVI: In the Mountains

Visits Marek, looking haggard; admits he was overcome by religious love but fought it off, and now fears the Absolute has a plan.

XVII: The Hammer and Star

Worshipful Master of the Hammer and Star Lodge, pale and thoughtful, he calls the meeting to address clerical attacks and guides the discussion.

XVIII: In the Night Editor’s Room

Mentioned as the subject of a local news item announcing his upcoming baptism.

XIX: The Process of Canonization

Given a lengthy audience by the Pope three days before the Papal Brief, and later in conference with the Papal Secretary for twenty-four hours.

XXI: The Telegram

Sends the telegram confirming Marek's predictions.

XXII: The Old Patriot

Mentioned as being interested in an American combine buying Pacific Islands, to the extent of one hundred and twenty millions.

XXIV: The Napoleon of the Mountain Brigade

Not directly present; referenced indirectly as part of the broader narrative context.

A Coral Island in the Pacific

Living on the coral island Hereheretua for nine years, Bondy discusses his views on God and truth with Captain Trouble, observing the natives' religious cannibalism.