Marinka is a 12-year-old girl who lives a nomadic, magical life with her grandmother. She longs for a normal existence where her house stays in one place so she can make living friends. She resents her predetermined destiny to become a Guardian of The Gate. She feels isolated by her circumstances and yearns for autonomy outside the Yaga tradition.

Baba is Marinka's grandmother and the current Guardian of The Gate. She spends her evenings feeding the dead and listening to their stories before guiding them to the afterlife. She acts as a patient mentor, trying to prepare Marinka to inherit her role despite the young girl's resistance.

Also known as Tatyana, The Old Yaga is a fellow Guardian who has settled down in a bustling market. Unlike Marinka's house, her home is fixed on the outskirts of the town, allowing her to interact regularly with the living. She serves as a mentor figure, offering a different perspective on the Yaga lifestyle.

The house is a magical, sentient dwelling equipped with large chicken legs. It transports Marinka and Baba around the world to wherever the dead need a guide next. It possesses its own will, communicates through movements and structural changes, and actively participates in the guiding ceremonies by summoning The Gate.

Benjamin is a living boy who becomes Marinka's first real friend. He struggles at school and fears his father's disapproval, leading him to bond quickly with Marinka over their shared sense of isolation. He enjoys drawing and shows a genuine interest in Marinka's unusual life.

Jack is a jackdaw bird who lives with Marinka and Baba. He serves as Marinka's primary companion during her lonely days at the house, following her around as she completes her chores.

Benji is a lamb rescued by Benjamin, who leaves the animal in Marinka's care to avoid his father's anger. After the house unexpectedly relocates, the lamb becomes a permanent resident with Marinka.

Nina is a young girl who arrives at the house but fails to pass through The Gate. Unaware of her own status, she believes she is still alive. She provides Marinka with a rare opportunity for companionship, though her presence complicates Marinka's duties.

Salma is a living girl who frequents the market near The Old Yaga's house. She initially bullies Marinka but later offers an apology and an invitation to spend time together. She represents the complex reality of the normal friendships Marinka desires.

Lamya is Salma's friend who joins in both the exclusion and later inclusion of Marinka. She participates in mocking others and provides a harsh lesson for Marinka about the true nature of some living children.

Serina is Nina's sister who arrives at the house after succumbing to an illness. Her appearance at the guiding ceremony deeply affects Marinka, forcing her to confront the emotional reality of her responsibilities.