The film centers on a Dominican monk named Jérôme (played by one actor in colour and another actor in black-and-white) and his interactions with various higher-ups within the French Catholic Church. Ruiz's intention was to reflect the ideological arguments that plagued Latin American left-wing political parties.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Daniel GélinMalagrida | Malagrida |
 François SimonLa Montagne | La Montagne |
| DDidier FlamandJérôme 1 | Jérôme 1 |
 Pascal BonitzerJérôme 2 | Jérôme 2 |
 Jean LescotLe père-maître 1 | Le père-maître 1 |
 Édith ScobMère Angélique 1 | Mère Angélique 1 |
 Frédérique MeiningerMère Angélique 2 | Mère Angélique 2 |
 Marcel ImhoffLe père-maître 2 | Le père-maître 2 |
| JJean-Robert ViardL'évêque | L'évêque |
 Raoul GuilletLe supérieur | Le supérieur |
 Geneviève MnichSœur Théophile | Sœur Théophile |