The novel is structured in the form of a donsomana, a Malinké "hunter's praise song", told by a sora, that takes place in a series of six vigils.
Man whose totem is the caiman: Also called Tiékoroni, he rules the République des Ébènes (Ivory Coast) and is modelled after Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Man whose totem is the hyena: Also called Bossouma, he rules the République des Deux Fleuves (Central African Republic) and is modelled after Jean Bédel Bokassa.
Man whose totem is the leopard: He rules the République du Grand Fleuve (Zaire) and is modelled after Mobutu Sese Seko.
Man in White, his totem the hare: Also called Nkoutigui Fondio, he rules the République des Monts (Guinea) and is modelled after Ahmed Sékou Touré.