Vasilisa, known as Vasya, is a wild and free-spirited girl growing up in the remote northern village of Lesnaya Zemlya. She inherits her maternal grandmother's rare ability to see and communicate with the invisible nature and household spirits that inhabit the Russian wilderness. Her rejection of traditional female roles and deep connection to the forest often put her at odds with her family and community. She is remarkably brave and fiercely protective of her home.

Morozko is the ancient frost demon of Russian folklore, personifying the harshness and preservation of winter. He appears to mortals as a striking, dark-haired rider on a white horse. As a force of nature, he adheres to his own ancient logic, commanding respect from the wilderness and those who remember the old ways. He keeps a watchful eye on Vasya as she grows.

Medved is an ancient, malevolent spirit embodying fear, chaos, and untamed destruction. Bound beneath an old oak tree in the forest, he thrives on human panic and discord. He actively works to manipulate vulnerable individuals in Lesnaya Zemlya to weaken the village's protective spirits and break free from his long imprisonment.

Father Konstantin is an exceptionally charismatic and handsome Orthodox priest sent to the remote north. He is a talented painter of religious icons and possesses a powerful presence that easily sways the villagers. Convinced of his own righteousness, he is determined to eradicate the community's lingering pagan beliefs, viewing the traditional nature spirits as demons.

Anna is the deeply pious daughter of Ivan Ivanovich, given in an arranged marriage to Pyotr to remove her from the city. Like her stepdaughter, she has the rare ability to see spirits, but her strict religious upbringing causes her to view them entirely as horrifying demons. This constant terror makes her erratic, abusive, and utterly reliant on the church for comfort.

Pyotr is the pragmatic boyar of Lesnaya Zemlya, responsible for managing the remote northern estate and protecting his people. He is a grounded man who respects both the Orthodox Church and the practical realities of survival in the wilderness. He loves his family deeply but struggles to navigate the supernatural events surrounding his household.

Dunya is the elderly, dependable nursemaid for Pyotr's family. She serves as the primary maternal figure for the children after Marina's death. Grounded in rural practicality, she carries the old stories and traditions of Rus', acting as a quiet guardian for Vasya while trying to shield her from the more dangerous elements of the supernatural world.

Marina is Pyotr's first wife, a woman of fragile health but strong will. The daughter of a woman rumored to have magical talents, she is determined to pass down her family's unique lineage. She knowingly sacrifices her own life to give birth to a daughter who will inherit these hidden abilities.

Kolya is Pyotr's eldest son and the heir to Lesnaya Zemlya. He is a pragmatic young nobleman who prioritizes physical strength and social status. Though occasionally brash—such as when he threatens a stranger in Moscow under the influence of alcohol—he is a capable hunter and a loyal defender of his family's estate.

Sasha is the deeply devout second son of Pyotr and Marina. Recognizing a spiritual calling early in life, he is captivated by the peace of the monastery on Makovets Hill. He eventually leaves the wilderness of his youth to dedicate his life to God, becoming an influential monk in the service of the rising Muscovite princes.

Olga is Pyotr's eldest daughter, raised to fulfill the conventional duties of a medieval Russian noblewoman. She manages household tasks and dreams of courtly life, eventually leaving Lesnaya Zemlya for an advantageous arranged marriage in Moscow. She cares for her siblings but fully embraces her prescribed societal role.

Alyosha is the youngest son of Pyotr and Marina. He shares much of Vasya's adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, often acting as her closest companion among the siblings. While he lacks her magical sight, he remains fiercely loyal to her, even when the rest of the village turns against her.

Irina is the only child born to Pyotr and his second wife, Anna. Growing up in a household tense with unspoken magic and religious fervor, she receives the bulk of her mother's affection.

Ivan Ivanovich is the Grand Prince of Moscow. He is a pragmatic political leader who views marriages primarily as a means to solidify power and remove domestic embarrassments, quickly arranging unions for his relatives to secure his family's position.

Kyril is a wealthy, powerful, and arrogant suitor chosen by Pyotr for Vasya. He operates with a deep sense of patriarchal entitlement, treating both animals and women as possessions to be dominated and broken into submission.

Solovey is a magical horse provided to Vasya as a companion. He communicates directly with her and exhibits extraordinary speed and intelligence, serving as her loyal steed when she must navigate the dangerous winter forests.

The domovoi is a traditional Slavic house spirit whose strength is tied directly to the respect and offerings given by the family. As the villagers stop honoring the old ways, he grows weak, leaving the boyar's home vulnerable to dark forces unless secretly sustained by Vasya.

The vazila is the protective spirit of horses. He takes an active role in Vasya's life by teaching her how to communicate with the animals and ride bareback, fostering her deep connection to the natural world.

The rusalka is a dangerous water spirit who inhabits the local lake. She embodies the untamed, sometimes lethal aspects of nature, acting to protect her domain from the encroaching religious orthodoxy that threatens to erase the ancient spirits.

Seryozha is Kolya's young son. His impulsive childhood curiosity nearly leads to disaster when he spooks a horse, inadvertently triggering a chain of events that alters Vasya's immediate future.

Agafya is a serving girl in Lesnaya Zemlya who senses the danger of abandoning the old spirits. Her tragic fate serves as a grim warning to the community about the encroaching darkness in the forest.

Sergei is a revered holy man and monk who founded the Trinity Lavra. He is insightful and deeply spiritual, recognizing true religious devotion in others and encouraging them to pursue a dedicated life.

Vladimir is a young prince of Moscow whose marriage is arranged to keep him closely tied to the ruling family. He travels to the northern wilderness to claim his bride, bringing the pomp of the city to the quiet village.