Ivan is a veterinary surgeon who embodies modern Russian ideals of reason, science, and empiricism. He rejects conventional social structures, preferring to interact equally with peasants and maintain a deep connection to nature. As the narrator of his younger brother's story, he expresses a strong philosophical belief that the pursuit of materialistic happiness is an illusion that corrupts morality. His comfortable position sometimes blinds him to the immediate financial realities that drive others.

Nicholai is a highly traditional man who dedicates decades of his life to the singular goal of becoming a landowning nobleman. He lives in self-imposed deprivation and marries a wealthy widow purely for her dowry to finance his rural estate. His eventual success brings him immense satisfaction, though he remains oblivious to the suffering his ambition causes others.

Bourkin is a gymnasium schoolteacher caught between conventional Russian social expectations and emerging Western philosophies. He listens intently to Ivan's tale but struggles to fully reconcile the message with his own worldview. His restless nature leaves him lying awake in the dark, disturbed by both the story and the smell of burnt tobacco.

Aliokhin is a hardworking country farmer burdened by the heavy debts left by his father. He spends his days managing agricultural labors, which leaves him physically exhausted and mentally disconnected from philosophical debates. When presented with Ivan's passionate plea for social equality, Aliokhin responds with weary indifference and immediately goes to sleep.

Tchimsha-Himalaysky is the deceased patriarch of the family. Originally a common soldier, he rose to become a military officer and acquired an estate. His accumulated debts eventually led to the property's confiscation, leaving his sons to forge their own paths.

Belikov is a gymnasium teacher who strictly adheres to rules and traditional social norms. His rigid nature prevents him from finding happiness, causing him to withdraw completely when faced with modern sensibilities.

Varinka is an optimistic and modern-minded woman whose carefree attitude stands in direct contrast to traditional Russian rigidity. She rejects the stifling expectations placed upon her by more conservative suitors.

Anna Alekseyevna is a married mother of two who shares a deep emotional bond with Aliokhin. Despite her mutual attraction to him, she ultimately prioritizes the financial stability and social acceptance of her established life over an uncertain romance.