Lead Male
DANIEL
Lead Male
156 Dialogues
One of the four great OT prophets. Decended from one of the noble families of Judah (Daniel 1:3). Was probably born in Jerusalem about BC 623 during the reign of Josiah. During the reign of Josiah's son Jehoiakim Daniel was taken into exile by King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon in the year BC 606 where he entered the king's service as a wise man, interpreter of dreams, and governor.
Isaiah prophesied that some of Hezekiah's descendants would become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:18) one of which turned out to be Daniel.
Subsequent kings recognized his abilities and Daniel maintained their favour as a loyal and able administrator. Later in his life Daniel was given a series of visions of the glorious future of God's people.
There is no indication whether or not Daniel was married but in our movie he is promised in marriage to Leah.
In our movie he has a hand in Cyrus issuing a decree to allow the exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem. Many scholars assume this was why he was placed in such a high position by God.
Daniel's life story (and therefore the movie) span 90 years.
Lead Female
LEAH
Lead Female
77 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In our movie is Daniel's fiancee who would have been married to him within a month had not the Babylonian invasion taken place.
The invasion separates them and Leah finds herself in the king's harem where she refuses to become a concubine of the Babylonian king. She is sold on the slave market where she enters the household of a baker and his wife.
Although there is no mention of Daniel being married (or being single) in the Bible there were prophets, such as Ezekiel, who were married.
Supporting Male Roles
KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR
Supporting Male
59 Dialogues
King of Babylon who defeats Jerusalem and takes Daniel and his companions into his court. Marched against and laid siege to Jerusalem at least two times but in our movie defeats Jerusalem in one night.
Appears in 2 Kings 24,25; 1 Chronicles 6,36; Ezra 1,2,5,6; Nehemiah 7; Esther 2; throughout Jeremiah, Ezekiel 26,29,30, and Daniel 1-5.
There is some speculation Daniel cared for him during his time of insanity (Daniel 4:36) and that he became a believer in God (Daniel 4:37).
ARIOCH
Supporting Male
53 Dialogues
Described as King Nebuchadezzar's commander in Daniel 2:15 and is mentioned in Daniel 2:14-15,24-25.
In the movie he leads the attack on Jerusalem and is sent to round up the Jewish nobility setting up the first of several encounters with Daniel which leads to him eventually becoming Daniel's friend and worshipping God.
KING DARIUS
Supporting Male
48 Dialogues
Mede king who defeats the Babylonian king Belshazzar.
Secular historians say he did not exist but there are numerous references to him in the Bible including his being tricked into throwing Daniel to the lions.
The Darius mentioned in Ezra who finds the original decree of Cyrus to allow the rebuilding of the temple is a later king. The Darius in our movie appears in Daniel 5, 6, 9, and 11.
In the movie he decides to voluntarily give up his throne to Cyrus to avoid war.
ASHPENAZ
Supporting Male
39 Dialogues
Described in Daniel 1:3 as the chief of Nebuchadnezzar's officials and in 1:8-11 as the commander of the officials.
In our movie he is head of King Nebuchadnezzar's wise men but his role diminishes with subsequent kings.
In our movie he is combined with the "overseer" mentioned in Daniel 1:11-16. He befriends Daniel (following Daniel 1:9) and, as a result, eventually becomes a believer in God.
JEREMIAH
Supporting Male
35 Dialogues
Prophet of the Lord who warns of the coming invasion from the north in the OT book by his name. Remains in Jerusalem while Daniel and Ezekiel are taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 40).
Scholars indicate Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel were contemporaries of each other for a time and so in the movie all appear together at the beginning of the story although this meeting is not found in the Bible.
ANDULLI
Supporting Male
33 Dialogues
One of two Babylonian wise men who resent the inclusion of Daniel and his friends in the Babylonian court. Together with his assistant, Ariistuun, he plots the dismissal and death of Daniel.
This character does not appear in the Bible but represents the officials under various kings who were against Daniel (Daniel 3:8ff, 6:4ff). Does not appear in the movie after the scene with the lion's den to follow Daniel 6:24.
SHADRACH
Supporting Male
23 Dialogues
One of Daniel's three friends who goes with him into exile. Appears in Daniel 1, 2, and 3.
His Hebrew name was Mishael but in the movie his Babylonian name is used throughout to avoid confusing the audience with a name change and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
In the movie is portrayed as Leah's brother and as the oldest and wisest of Daniel's three companions.
VOICE OF GOD
Supporting Male
22 Dialogues
A voice from heaven speaks to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:31. In our movie this is the voice of God.
Is also heard pronouncing judgement on Jerusalem during the invasion, by Daniel during his visions, as Leah shares the Ten Commandments with Nasir and Tabni, and a few other places.
KING CYRUS
Minor Male
19 Dialogues
King of Persia who also became king of Babylon following the reign of Darius. He appears in 2 Chronicles 36, Ezra, Isaiah 44 & 45, and Daniel 1 & 10. There is no record outside the Bible of Darius whom Daniel says was the king of Babylon before Cyrus and so there is some uncertainty how Cyrus came to the throne.
In our movie Cyrus presents Darius with a choice - relinquish the throne or face ruin.
EZEKIEL
Supporting Male
18 Dialogues
The prophet from the OT book which bears his name. Biblical historians indicate his, Jeremiah's, and Daniel's lives overlapped to a certain degree. The Biblical record indicates that both Ezekiel and Daniel were in Babylon while Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem.
In the movie they have several face to face encounters none of which are found in the Bible. In the last of these encounters Ezekiel passes on to Daniel the instructions he was given for rebuilding the temple and settling the land (Ezekiel 40-48).
GABRIEL
Minor Male
16 Dialogues
Angel of the Lord who appears to Daniel in his visions in Daniel 8 & 9.
Does not appear with reference to Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible but in the movie Jeremiah 43:10 has been interpreted very loosely to have been done via Gabriel and so, by extension, Nebuchadnezzar's "call" to Jerusalem has been portrayed in the same way.
In the movie the "holy one" mentioned by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:13 is considered to be Gabriel as well.
Supporting Female Roles
TABNI
Supporting Female
39 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Wife to Nasir the baker from Susa who purchases Leah at a slave auction. Becomes a mother figure to Leah.
NINSUNU
Supporting Female
20 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is one of Nebuchadnezzar's wives in the harem in Susa. Warns Leah that if she does not cooperate with being a concubine, she will be sold in the slave market.
Later, she meets Leah in the citadel just prior to Leah and Daniel being reunited and acts as a bridesmaid at Daniel & Leah's impromptu wedding.
EUNICE
Supporting Female
15 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
The mother to Leah, Daniel's fiancee and wife to Jacob. Also the mother to Shadrach, Daniel's friend.
Minor Male Roles
ABEDNEGO
Minor Male
14 Dialogues
One of Daniel's three companions who goes with him into exile. His Hebrew name was Azariah.
He appears in Daniel 1:6-20; 3:12-30
In the movie he is portrayed as the youngest of the three companions. His Babylonian name is used throughout the movie to avoid confusing the audience with a name change during the movie and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
SLAVE TRADER
Minor Male
13 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Conducts the auction in which Leah is sold to Nasir.
ASSISTANT GATEKEEPER
Minor Male
12 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie he is an Israelite soldier who acts as the assistant to the Gatekeeper. His conversation with the Gatekeeper provides insight into the controversy surrounding the prophet Jeremiah.
NASIR
Minor Male
12 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is a baker from Susa who purchases Leah in the slave market. Husband to Tabni, father to Shukura, and grandfather of Shukura's two children.
NOBLEMAN 1
Minor Male
11 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but various verses in Daniel 1 suggest there were more Israelites taken into Nebuchadnezzar's court than just Daniel and his three friends.
In the movie is an Israelite court official taken into exile along with Daniel. Initially opposes Daniel's stand against the king's food but eventually comes to respect Daniel.
ARIISTUUN
Minor Male
10 Dialogues
One of two Babylonian wise men who resent the inclusion of Daniel and his friends in the Babylonian court. Together with his leader, Andulli, he plots the dismissal and death of Daniel.
This character does not appear in the Bible but represents the officials under various kings who were against Daniel (Daniel 3:8ff, 6:4ff).
Does not appear in the movie after the scene with the lion's den to follow Daniel 6:24.
KING BELSHAZZAR
Minor Male
10 Dialogues
Nebuchadnezzar's son who is crowned king after his father's death. He summons Daniel to read the writing on the wall that appears on the wall in his throne room. Appears in Daniel 5, 7, & 8.
In the movie his first decree is to dismiss the Judean exiles from his court and government. This event is not in the Bible but provides an explanation for why he is unfamiliar with Daniel's abilities and why Daniel must be summoned to the palace to read the writing.
JACOB
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is the father of Leah, Daniel's fiancee, and of Shadrach, Daniel's friend.
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REMALIAH
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
While this name appears in the Bible this specific character does not.
In the movie is Jehoiakim's general who heeds the call of Jeremiah to desert to the Babylonians.
SHUKURA
Minor Male
9 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Nasir & Tabni's son whose wife died giving birth to their second child. Leah and his children become very close and when Shukura returns pressure is brought to bear on Leah to marry him.
KING JEHOIAKIM
Minor Male
8 Dialogues
King of Israel during the first invasion of Nebuchadnezzar. Appears in 2 Kings 23 & 24, 1 Chronicles 3, 2 Chronicles 36, throughout Jeremiah, and Daniel 1:1-2.
In our movie the three kings associated with the fall of Jerusalem (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah) have been combined into this one character because it was during Jehoiakim's reign that Daniel was taken into exile (Daniel 1:1ff).
In the movie Nebuchadnezzar orders him thrown off the city wall to follow the prophecy concerning his death in Jeremiah 22:19.
MEDE SCRIBE
Minor Male
7 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Darius' court scribe.
MESCHACH
Minor Male
7 Dialogues
One of Daniel's three friends who goes with him into exile. His Hebrew name was Mishael.
Appears in Daniel 1-3.
In the movie Meschach is portrayed as the second oldest of the three companions. His Babylonian name is used throughout the movie to avoid confusing the audience with a name change and because most people would be more familiar with this name.
GATEKEEPER
Minor Male
5 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is the Israelite soldier in charge of the city gate. Is the father and husband of an idol worshipping family.
WISEMAN 1
Minor Male
5 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but is one of the characters in the movie who represents the Babylonian wise men referred to in general in Daniel 1:20 and elsewhere.
In our movie becomes a friend to Daniel.
EMISSARY 1
Minor Male
4 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of two men sent to Darius by Cyrus to deliver the message that Darius either relinquishes his throne or faces ruin. Is the spokesman for the two. Gives his name as Smerdis.
MOUNTED GUARD 3
Minor Male
4 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
BUYER 1
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of the buyers in the slave market of Susa who bids on Leah.
MEDE PALACE GUARD
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is one of Darius' palace guards who ushers in the emissaries from Cyrus.
NOBLEMAN 2
Minor Male
3 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible but Daniel 1 suggests there were more Israelites in Nebuchadnezzar's court than just Daniel and his three friends.
Israelite court official taken into exile along with Daniel. Along with Nobleman 1 opposes Daniel's stand against the king's food.
DARIUS’ ARMY GENERAL
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie he is Darius' army general.
GUARD 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In our movie is one of two Babylonian guards in the palace classroom.
HERALD
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible
In the movie announces the entry of Cyrus and Darius into the hall of the citadel of Susa.
ISRAELITE SCOUT 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Is one of two scouts who first discover the approaching Babylonian army and warn King Jehoiakim.
MEDE SOLDIER 1
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Not specifically mentioned in Daniel although there is reference to Darius issuing orders which were probably given to his soldiers (Daniel 6:16, 23, 24).
Prophecies concerning the Medes coming against Babylon appear in Isaiah 13:17ff and Jeremiah 51:11ff.
In the movie this soldier is one of two who guard the king during the ceremony when Darius swears allegiance to Cyrus.
SCULPTER
Minor Male
2 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible (although someone must have made Nebuchadezzar’s statue).
In the movie is the person who makes the golden statute for Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:1).
BANDIT 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of two bandits hired by Andulli to ambush Shadrach on his way to take up his new post in the Citadel of Susa.
BANDIT 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of two bandits hired by Andulli to ambush Shadrach on his way to take up his new post in the Citadel of Susa.
BUYER 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of the buyers in the slave market of Susa who bids on Leah.
CAPED BABYLONIAN SOLDIER WITH TORCH
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
No specifically mentioned in the Bible.
In the movie this is one of the foot soldiers who participates in the attack on Jerusalem by pushing the gate open after their fellow soldiers raise the bar inside.
Their ferocity is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
ISRAELITE PALACE GUARD 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
One of two who escort Jeremiah into Jehoiakim's presence and then drag him out.
ISRAELITE SCOUT 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
Is one of two scouts who first discover the approaching Babylonian army and warn King Jehoiakim.
LEADER OF CAPED BABYLONIAN SOLDIERS
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
Leader of the foot soldiers who participate in the attack on Jerusalem by pushing the gate open after their fellow soldiers raise the bar inside.
Their ferocity is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
MOUNTED GUARD 1
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
MOUNTED GUARD 2
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
One of the Babylonian soldiers who escort Shadrach to his new post in Susa.
PERSIAN GUARD
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
In the movie these are Cyrus' soldiers who, along with Mede soldiers, guard the hall in the citidal of Susa for the ceremony in which Darius swears allegiance to Cyrus.
RIDING BABYLONIAN SOLDIER WITH ARIOCH
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
In the movie this is one of the mounted soldiers who participate in the attack on Jerusalem. Their ferocity is described in 2 Chronicles 36:17-20.
VISITING OFFICIAL
Minor Male
1 Dialogue
Some random visiting official to whom Nebuchadnezzar brags about the city of Babylon. Does not appear in the Bible although Nebuchadnezzar's bragging does (Daniel 5:29-32).
Minor Female Roles
QUEEN
Minor Female
6 Dialogues
A queen or queen mother is mentioned in Daniel 5:10 but it is not clear whose wife she was.
In the movie this is Nebuchadnezzar's wife who eventually becomes a follower of Daniel's God.
REMALIAH’S WIFE
Minor Female
6 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
Remaliah's family is included in the movie to portray God's promise made through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 21:9) that any Israelites who surrendered to the Babylonian invaders would be protected from death.
ISRAELITE WOMAN IN HAREM
Minor Female
3 Dialogues
Does not appear in the Bible.
In the movie is an Israelite woman who ends up in Nebuchadnezzar's harem in Susa along with Leah. Unlike Leah she is not fazed by the moral question of being one of the king's concubines.
GATEKEEPER’S WIFE
Minor Female
1 Dialogue
Does not appear in the Bible.
Wife to Gatekeeper who, along with her children, worship a household idol.
“From the book of Daniel one obtains a vivid picture of how man can participate in the struggle against…spiritual hosts of wickedness. For three weeks Daniel, a prayerful man of God, set himself to understand and to humble himself before God. His prayers were heard, but for three weeks God’s messenger was prevented from reaching him."
Forster and Marston, God’s Strategy in Human History, ©1973 R.T. Forster and V.P. Marston