Frank is the technically minded leader of the US delegation within the first 100 Mars colonists. He approaches the historic mission as an administrative exercise, prioritizing bureaucracy, treaties, and strict control. Cynical and easily frustrated by idealism, he operates as a hardline tactician who seeks to recreate a highly regulated version of US society on Mars.

John is an American astronaut universally celebrated as the first man to walk on Mars. He maintains a larger-than-life public persona, leaning heavily into his fame to charm other colonists and smooth over political disputes. Beneath his charismatic exterior, he relies on synthetic drugs to cope with the immense pressure of his legendary status.

Nadezhda is a highly capable Russian engineer tasked with constructing Underhill, the first permanent human habitat on Mars. She operates with relentless practicality, preferring the concrete satisfaction of heavy machinery over the abstract political debates of her peers. Her dedication to problem-solving frequently leaves her exhausted but deeply fulfilled by the tangible progress of the colony.

Maya is the diplomatic leader of the Russian scientific contingent aboard the Ares. She possesses sharp emotional intelligence, using her insight to manage the frequent personality clashes among the international crew. Operating within a fiercely competitive environment, she balances her professional authority with complex romantic entanglements.

Arkady is a highly vocal Russian scientist who treats the Mars mission as a blank slate for human civilization. He runs extreme emergency simulations during the outbound voyage and frequently delivers speeches demanding a complete severing of ties with Earth's governments. He establishes his base of operations on the Martian moon Phobos.

Sax is a deeply pragmatic scientist representing the "Green" faction of the colonization effort. He views Mars as a dead world requiring massive technological intervention to support human life. He devises numerous biological and atmospheric strategies to thicken the planet's atmosphere and raise its temperature.

Ann is a resolute geologist who leads the "Red" faction, fiercely opposing any attempts to alter the Martian climate. She values the planet for its stark, ancient geology and insists that humanity has no moral right to destroy the native environment for its own comfort.

Michel is the sole French member of the mission, serving as the resident psychologist for the 100 colonists. He develops intricate theories to categorize his crewmates' personalities but fails to manage his own severe, debilitating homesickness for Earth.

Hiroko is a brilliant Japanese botanist responsible for establishing the agricultural systems necessary for the colony's survival. She maintains an enigmatic presence, quietly organizing a secretive, nature-based religious movement among a select group of colonists.

Phyllis is a devoutly religious American scientist who prioritizes survival and resource management. She frequently aligns her interests with the powerful transnational corporations operating from Earth.

Vlad is a medical researcher focused on genetic engineering and cellular longevity. He works on developing specialized microorganisms designed to survive the harsh Martian climate.

Ursula is a biotechnology researcher who operates a medical laboratory at Acheron Fossae. She conducts regular health checks on the colonists and explores advanced anti-aging therapies.

Simon is a quiet scientist who accompanies geological expeditions across the Martian surface. He remains deeply devoted to his partner.

Janet is the colonist assigned to manage media broadcasts sent back to Earth. She eventually grows frustrated with her observational role, wishing to directly participate in the settlement work.

Zeyk is a host within a mobile Arab caravan community. He welcomes visitors and enthusiastically discusses how Islamic traditions might adapt to a Martian setting.

Helmut is a wealthy official representing the United Nations Office for Martian Affairs. He acts as a liaison for Earth's growing corporate interests.

The Coyote is a stowaway who illegally boards the Ares prior to its departure from Earth. His hidden presence on the ship eventually turns him into a folkloric figure among the colonists.

Selim is a young member of the Arab community during the early settlement period. He trusts the guidance of the American delegation a bit too easily.

Etsu is a tour guide who escorts visitors around the massive moholes dug across the Martian surface.