The character display mechanism for a timepiece includes a first indicator member disposed underneath a mask and arranged to rotate in steps about an axis, the first indicator member bearing a series of intertwined figures distributed over a circular track, the mask including a display area having a plurality of first openings, the figures being intended to appear successively through the first openings during the rotation of the first indicator member, and the first openings being disposed such that only one figure at a time appears in the display area. The first indicator member is pierced with second openings, said second openings being arranged to stop directly underneath one of said first openings during the step-by-step rotation of the first indicator member. The display mechanism includes a second indicator member at least partially superposed on the first indicator member in the display area. The second indicator member bears a pattern comprising segments.