Spielberger

Spielberger is withdrawn, rigid and strongly invested in the mission entrusted to him. Unlike Masuda, he rarely joins the submarine crew socially and spends much of the voyage isolated in his quarters.

He nevertheless understands that Germany is losing the war. His recognition of impending defeat does not translate into rejection of the Nazi system, however; he remains committed to protecting the cargo and reacts violently when Ahbe openly condemns the leadership responsible for their situation.

Spielberger's priorities in the submarine's final hours remain centered on mission failure and ideology rather than the family he has left in Stuttgart.

Spielberger is an SS lieutenant colonel and member of the Sicherheitsdienst, giving him military and security-service experience. He carries a handgun and possesses sufficient authority to board U-1324 with sensitive cargo.

The story focuses less on his combat ability than on his role as custodian of the painting. His rank and documentation allow him to insert himself into the submarine's mission despite not belonging to Ahbe's crew.

Spielberger boards U-1324 shortly before its departure from Kiel. He has been ordered to safeguard The Twelve Knights Led by Brunhilda, a painting intended to support plans for a future Nazi resurgence.

He remains aloof during most of the voyage while Masuda befriends the sailors. As U-1324 approaches the end of its journey, the collapsing German war effort makes the supposed future represented by Spielberger's cargo increasingly remote.

After American depth charges cripple the submarine, Ahbe condemns Hitler and the Nazi leadership for sacrificing Germany and his crew. Spielberger shoots Ahbe in response. The crew then turns on Spielberger and kills him before he can carry out further violence.

Wentzel Ahbe commands the submarine carrying Spielberger toward Asia. Their relationship deteriorates as Wentzel Ahbe's contempt for Nazi leadership becomes explicit, and Spielberger ultimately shoots Ahbe during the submarine's final crisis.

Masuda is U-1324's other passenger. Unlike Masuda, Spielberger keeps largely to himself and does not form the same friendly relationship with the submarine's crew.

Alfred is Spielberger's superior connected to the mission involving The Twelve Knights Led by Brunhilda. Spielberger accepts responsibility for carrying the painting as part of the Nazi contingency plan.