The main characters in the story are:
* M. Hamel: The elderly French teacher, heartbroken by the loss of his native language and the enforced German education.
* Franz: A young boy who is late for school and struggles with his French lessons.
* The villagers: The adults in the village who are also affected by the loss of their language and cultural identity.
The story centers on the emotional impact of losing one's language and culture under foreign rule. The focus is on the importance of preserving one's heritage, even in the face of oppression.