Alexander acts the novel’s romantic lead. At the start of the novel, Alexander is 22 years old. He and Tatiana develop an immediate attraction to each other, although they logically fear that their age gap might render their feelings irrelevant. Further, Alexander loosely dated Tatiana’s sister some time before, complicating Alexander’s ability to act on his feelings for Tatiana. Ultimately, he remains loyal to Dasha—to whom he’s promised himself—until her death at the end of Book 1.

Alexander is also a round, dynamic character who undergoes a wealth of suffering over the course of his young life. As he and Tatiana grow closer, he gradually reveals the details of his past life to her. These revelations only deepen Tatiana’s love and admiration for Alexander, who she believes is the embodiment of loyalty, integrity, and goodness. Despite all that he has lost and suffered, Alexander indeed remains a man of his word, willing to make extreme sacrifices for the sake of his loved ones’ well-being.

Alexander is an American citizen by birth. Born Anthony Barrington to Harold and Jane Barrington, Alexander relocated to the Soviet Union with his parents when he was young. Passionate communists, his parents gave up their American citizenships for the sake of the communist cause, only to be killed by the Russian state. From then on, Alexander has hidden his true identity and background. The only one who knows the truth is Dimitri Chernenko. Dimitri was the son of a guard at the prison where Harold was held; Alexander befriended Dimitri so he might convince the guard to let him see Harold before his execution. Over the years following, Dimitri proves himself to be a parasite who Alexander can’t get rid of. Dimitri is jealous of Alexander and resents him for sabotaging their one attempt to desert the army and flee to the States. Throughout the novel, Dimitri repeatedly blackmails Alexander—threatening to reveal his identity should he betray or even offend him. He is the primary antagonist in Alexander’s storyline. He disrupts Alexander’s relationship with Tatiana and even compromises his escape from the Soviet Union at the novel’s end.

Alexander’s relationship with Tatiana teaches him about love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Although Alexander has been with other women in the past, he does not condescend to or mistreat Tatiana. He gives up his old bachelor life for Tatiana and commits to being with her after Dasha dies. His passionate affection for Alexander often drives him to emotional extremes, but ultimately keeps him alive through the majority of the war. At the novel’s end, Alexander is believed dead by everyone but Tatiana.

Dasha is Georgi and Irina’s eldest daughter, and Pasha and Tatiana’s older sister. Although Dasha is not a traditional antagonist, she creates conflict in both Tatiana’s and Alexander’s storylines. Simons positions Dasha, whom she depicts as selfish character and blinded by her own desires and longings, as a foil for Tatiana. She loves Tatiana, but she’s not perceptive of her sister’s feelings and often takes advantage of her sister’s goodness. This is particularly true in the context of Alexander and their overarching domestic dynamic. Dasha has no sense of Tatiana’s feelings for Alexander until she sees them together outside the post office just before her death. She is the only character oblivious to Tatiana and Alexander’s feelings for each other, which conveys her self-interested nature and inability to imagine Tatiana wanting more for herself. She also sees her sister as a child, which stunts her ability to perceive what she wants and needs.

In the familial context, Dasha foists all of the responsibility on her younger sister. Dasha is more interested in securing a husband, often lamenting having to share a room with Tatiana and vocally longing for the day she will marry and leave Tatiana behind. Meanwhile, she never stands up to Tatiana when their parents berate Tatiana and does little to support Tatiana with the household responsibilities. She does not work and most often lies in bed, bemoaning their circumstances.

Despite Dasha’s inconsiderate nature, Tatiana does everything in her power to protect her heart. Until the moment before her death, Tatiana hides her true feelings for Alexander. She does not want to take anything away from Dasha, as she considers her an elder and her first confidante. At the same time, Tatiana often wrestles with Dasha’s selfishness, wishing she could have what her sister has without feeling guilty. Dasha’s death at the end of Book 1 devastates Tatiana, but effectively ushers Tatiana into a new phase of life—allowing her to be with Alexander for the first time.

Dimitri Chernenko is another primary character. He is also the antagonist of the novel. Initially, Dimitri appears to be relatively harmless, more annoying than actually dangerous. He is Alexander’s close friend and begins lingering around the Metanova house after Alexander and Tatiana meet. Tatiana isn’t interested when he expresses feelings for him, but ultimately agrees to start going out with him because her and Alexander’s relationship is impossible. The more time they spend together, however, the more distasteful Dimitri proves himself to be. He is brusque, forceful, and selfish. He repeatedly pressures Tatiana, while also stirring up regular altercations between the characters. Behind the scenes, Dimitri constantly pressures Alexander about his whereabouts, relationships, and actions.

Over the course of the novel, Dimitri’s true character is revealed. He and Alexander are only friends because Alexander befriended him to get close to his father—who was a guard at the prison where his father was being held years prior. Ever since Dimitri helped Alexander see Harold one last time before his death, he has tried to control him. In particular, Dimitri wants to use Alexander to get to America. The two attempt the plan one time, but Alexander backs out at the last minute to save another soldier. Dimitri never forgives Alexander and tries to manipulate and threaten him for years to come.

Dimitri is an amoral character who will do anything for his own gain. His loyalties to and interest in Tatiana sways according to his anger with Alexander. His loyalty to Alexander sways according to his own needs. At the end of the novel, Dimitri again pressures Alexander to help him escape the Soviet Union for America—demanding that he leave Tatiana behind. After Alexander is reported dead, Dimitri still insists on accompanying Tatiana and Dr. Matthew Sayers over the border. This attempted escape ultimately leads to Dimitri’s death, removing him as an obstacle to Tatiana’s safety once and for all.

Georgi and Irina are Tatiana’s, Pasha’s, and Dasha’s parents. They feature most heavily in Book 1. Although Tatiana loves her parents, she is often heartbroken by their disregard for or mistreatment of her. Georgi often berates and belittles Dasha, frequently furious with her for failing to meet his expectations. Irina also mistreats Tatiana, as she cannot measure up to her beautiful eldest daughter or her only son. Tatiana never actively disparages her parents, but their inability to see her for who she is does complicate her self-discovery journey at the start of the novel. Both Georgi and Irina die during the war, their deaths intensifying Tatiana’s responsibilities.