Lyudmila, often called Mila, is a university history student and single mother who works tirelessly to secure a stable future for her young child. Her estranged husband's mockery drives her to master marksmanship at a local civilian shooting range. When the German invasion shatters her academic plans in Odessa, she immediately enlists in the Red Army. Her uncanny accuracy with a rifle quickly elevates her from trench-digger to elite combat sniper.

Alexei is an older surgeon who seduced Mila when she was a teenager before abandoning her and their child. He maintains a controlling presence in her life, treating her independence as a personal insult. During the war, he surfaces as a combat surgeon near her deployments, using his legal status as her husband to monitor her movements and ride the coattails of her growing military fame.

An unnamed assassin hired by political operatives who oppose President Roosevelt's progressive agenda and the Soviet alliance. He operates under multiple aliases, including a wealthy businessman named Mr. Jonson. Armed with uncut diamonds and exceptional sharpshooting skills, he deeply resents Lyudmila's public acclaim and assumes her combat record is mere propaganda.

The son of a Siberian fur trapper who becomes Mila's trusted combat partner. He prefers quiet observation over loud bravado, making him an ideal match for the patience required in sniper warfare. He shares Mila's deep appreciation for literature and offers a steadying presence amid the chaos of the front lines, while closely guarding a dangerous political secret regarding his family.

A young, dashing regimental commander in the Red Army who immediately recognizes Mila's combat value. Unlike many superior officers who view female soldiers with suspicion or contempt, he actively supports her advancement and treats her as an equal. He uses a cheerful demeanor to buffer the horrors of the front lines.

The First Lady of the United States, carrying the stress of domestic political battles and concern for her husband's health. Despite their vastly different cultural backgrounds, she takes a genuine interest in Mila during the propaganda tour. She offers the young soldier valuable advice on public relations and self-compassion.

A medical student who volunteers for wartime hospital service and quickly becomes Mila's closest confidante. She understands the unique dangers female soldiers face regarding both enemy fire and harassment from their own ranks. She acts as Mila's primary emotional support system during hospital recoveries.

The 42nd President of the United States, managing a fragile wartime coalition and intense domestic opposition. He conceals his mobility issues from the public while working to coordinate international military efforts. For the Soviet soldiers, his administration represents the sole hope of opening a vital second front in Europe.

Mila's young son. His vulnerability drives Mila to master the rifle so she can fill the role of both parents. He remains her primary motivation for surviving the brutal realities of the war.

A local Ukrainian tracker who loses his family to occupying forces. Despite holding anti-Soviet political views, he allies with the Red Army out of a burning desire for revenge against the German troops.

A Red Army captain who ignores prevailing gender biases to officially test Mila's marksmanship, ultimately making her a recognized sniper.

A large soldier assigned to Mila's sniper training group. He initially flirts with her before learning to respect her lethal combat proficiency on the battlefield.

A young Ukrainian farm girl who survives severe trauma at the hands of enemy forces. Her suffering solidifies Mila's moral resolve on the battlefield.

The regional military commander directing troop movements across the Black Sea. He treats Mila as a valuable asset but remains grimly pragmatic about overall troop losses.

A traditionalist Red Army officer who objects to placing a woman in a combat leadership role, forcing Mila's allies to intervene on her behalf to secure her position.

An NKVD official assigned to the Soviet delegation. He monitors the delegates to prevent political missteps or unauthorized contact with foreigners during the tour.