4 figures
King of Israel who orders a census of the people.
David, incited to take a census of Israel and Judah, later realizes his sin and seeks God's mercy. His actions lead to a plague, but his repentance and sacrifice bring about God's forgiveness.
Commander of David's army who carries out the census.
Joab reluctantly follows David's orders to conduct the census, despite his own reservations about the king's decision.
Prophet who delivers God's message to David.
Gad, the prophet, communicates God's options for judgment to David and later instructs him to build an altar to stop the plague.
Jebusite who owns the threshing floor where David builds an altar.
Araunah offers his threshing floor and oxen to David for free, but David insists on purchasing them to offer a sacrifice to God.