Anna is an elderly woman living in Charlottesville, Virginia, who claims to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. She asserts she survived the execution of the Russian imperial family, though her identity remains fiercely contested by historians, surviving royals, and former tutors. Scarred physically and emotionally, she relies on a rotating network of benefactors while guarding her privacy. She is deeply exhausted by the public spectacle of her life but refuses to back down from her claim.

Anastasia is the fifteen-year-old daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. Known as a lively and sometimes rebellious teenager, she finds her privileged world collapsing as the Russian Revolution forces her family into captivity. During their transfer to Siberia, she attempts to find small moments of normal life while helping care for her chronically ill brother. She relies on her sharp wit and deep family loyalty to survive worsening conditions.

The son of the Romanov family physician. As a teenager, he harbors a quiet but intense devotion to Anastasia during her captivity in Tobolsk. Decades later, he acts as Anna Anderson's most fiercely loyal advocate, organizing legal campaigns and financial corporations to prove her identity. His desperation to believe that the girl he loved survived sometimes blinds him to Anna's personal distress.

The deposed Emperor of Russia. Stripped of his titles and authority, he attempts to maintain an optimistic front for his children during their house arrest. He reads Sherlock Holmes stories to his family to pass the time, often underestimating the severe danger posed by the shifting revolutionary governments.

The former Empress of Russia, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria who is deeply unpopular with the Russian public. She is fiercely protective of her son, believing only mystical intervention can cure his illness. As their captivity worsens, she instructs her daughters to sew the family's diamonds into their corsets as a desperate contingency plan.

A malicious guard who delights in humiliating the captive Romanov family. He steals their belongings, removes the locks from the girls' doors, and commits horrific acts of violence against Olga and Tatiana during their transport.

A cold, efficient Bolshevik officer who takes command of the Romanovs' captivity. He tightens their restrictions, dismisses their more lenient guards, and strictly enforces the orders of the new Soviet Council.

A French academic employed as a tutor for the Romanov children. He follows the family into exile, trying to provide stability through rigid lessons despite their captivity. Years later, he emerges as one of Anna Anderson's most vocal opponents, publishing a book declaring her a fraud.

The twelve-year-old heir to the Russian throne. He suffers from hemophilia, an incurable bleeding disorder that leaves him physically fragile. His frequent injuries dictate the family's movements and cause immense stress during their harsh imprisonment.

The eldest daughter of the Tsar. She suffers a brutal assault by guards during the family's chaotic train transfer to Ekaterinburg, leaving her deeply traumatized as their captivity nears its end.

The second eldest Romanov daughter. Like her older sister Olga, she is subjected to severe violence by the guards during the horrific train ride, shattering her previously composed royal demeanor.

The third Romanov daughter. During the family's captivity, she engages in a dangerous, secret romance with a guard named Ivan, leading to brutal consequences when the affair is discovered by higher authorities.

A young soldier assigned to guard the Romanovs. Unlike his cruel peers, he treats Anastasia with quiet respect and affection. He returns stolen items to her, shields her from the worst of the guards' behavior, and eventually offers her a chance to escape.

The leader of the provisional Russian Republic. He balances his political need to punish the Tsar with a pragmatic desire to protect the family from mob violence, eventually organizing their secret transfer to Siberia.

A German aristocrat who vacillates between being Anna Anderson's rescuer and an overbearing presence in her life. He provides her with a secluded home in the Black Forest but causes a massive rift between them by disposing of her possessions and pets while she is hospitalized.

A university professor of Russian history who marries Anna Anderson primarily to secure her an American visa. He remains deeply invested in her legal battles, treating her royal claims with academic and personal enthusiasm.

The devoted personal physician to the Romanov family. He follows them into their dangerous exile to tend to the fragile Alexey and remains a steady, calming presence for the children.

The daughter of the royal physician and Gleb's sister. She supports Anna Anderson's claims in Germany and gifts her a precious photo album documenting the Romanov family's private life.

A wealthy, unmarried New York socialite who acts as Anna's patron. She treats Anna as a fascinating societal prize but eventually has her committed to a psychiatric facility when Anna's grief and drinking escalate.

A Russian princess and Romanov relative living in the United States. She houses Anna temporarily and tests her knowledge of obscure imperial traditions to verify her identity, acting as an intermediary for the skeptical surviving royal family.

Anna Anderson's dedicated attorney. He pushes her to sign documents forming a corporation to fund her massive legal fees, eventually dying destitute after dedicating his career to her cause.

The daughter of the infamous mystic Grigory Rasputin. She leverages her father's historical fame to secure book and film deals, frequently pressuring Anna to exploit her own story for Hollywood money.

A Polish man who views Anna Anderson at the asylum and later confronts her formally alongside a private investigator. In both instances, he claims he does not recognize her.

A Bolshevik guard stationed at Ipatiev House who risks his position by engaging in a romance with one of the captive Romanov daughters. When discovered, he endures a horrific physical punishment from his commander.

A tall, dark-haired guard nicknamed by Anastasia after a forest spirit. He shows unexpected leniency toward the captive family, allowing them to attend Christmas services before being replaced by harsher officers.

Anastasia's loyal Siberian husky. He travels with the family into exile, offering her quiet comfort and growling aggressively at abusive guards who enter her space.

Anna Anderson's beloved pet dog who lives with her in her secluded German cottage, providing her with unconditional companionship away from the pressures of the press and courts.