Liska is a teenage girl from the village of Stodoła who possesses magical powers she views as a curse. Her magic manifests as blue butterflies and alienates her from her deeply religious community. Desperate to belong, she ventures into the spirit-wood to find a mythical flower, eventually trading a year of servitude to the forest's warden in exchange for a wish. She is resourceful, highly protective of her loved ones, and harbors heavy guilt over a past incident involving her abilities.

The Leszy is the 700-year-old warden of the Driada, tasked with maintaining order among the forest's demons and protecting nearby mortal villages. He appears as a pale, handsome young man with white hair, green eyes, and large antlers. He lives in a neglected magical manor called the House under the Rowan Tree. Gruff and highly private, he struggles with his duty and hides behind a deer skull mask to appear more frightening.

Weles is the ancient Slavic god of the underworld, now regarded by modern humans as a primordial demon. He lost most of his worshipers following the spread of Christianity in Orlica. He grants immense magical strength through dangerous pacts and demands a heavy, terrifying price from those who deal with him.

Marysieńka is Liska's cousin and former best friend. She possesses flaxen hair, rosy cheeks, and brown eyes. Growing up, she staunchly defended Liska from village bullies. As they reach adulthood, societal expectations and an arranged marriage drive a wedge between the two young women. She prioritizes her family's financial stability and conformity over her childhood dreams.

Kazimiera is an elderly czarownik who lives near the Driada and assists in defending local villages from demons. Though she appears to be in her seventies, she is actually centuries old due to spells that extend her life. She maintains a gruff exterior and a sharp tongue, but possesses a kind heart and immense historical knowledge.

Florian is the Leszy's former apprentice. He lived at the House under the Rowan Tree two centuries ago. He left behind a legacy of warmth and irreverence, leaving a lasting mark on the manor and its remaining inhabitants. His mysterious departure and subsequent death in the Driada profoundly impacted the Leszy, leading to the estate's current state of disrepair.

Jaga is a skrzat bound to the Leszy's manor. She takes the form of a tiny woman no larger than a hand or appears as a cat. She harbors resentment toward the Leszy for banishing her after an argument about his prolonged mourning. Despite her snarky commentary, she quickly becomes a comforting companion to Liska.

Maksio is a silent, lanky boy with straw-colored hair. Liska rescues him from the village square following a demon attack and brings him back to the House under the Rowan Tree. He refuses to speak, communicating instead through gestures and written notes. He adapts to life at the manor rapidly, learning to play chess and forming a quiet attachment to his rescuer.

Tomasz is a villager in Stodoła who strongly aligns with the community's religious prejudice against magic. He grows up to become Marysieńka's husband. He actively seeks to expose Liska as a witch to the village authorities, creating a deeply dangerous situation for her.

Dobrawa is Liska's mother and a village healer in Stodoła. Following the death of her husband, she becomes deeply fearful of Liska's magic. To protect her daughter from the village's persecution, she enforces strict conformity and teaches Liska to suppress her abilities completely.

Father Paweł is the local priest in Stodoła. He represents the dominant religious establishment in Orlica. He preaches that magic is inherently evil and that women are particularly susceptible to darkness. His teachings heavily influence the village's prejudice against the supernatural.

Mrok is a ghost hound that haunts the House under the Rowan Tree. He belonged to Florian centuries ago and died after limping back to the manor alone from the spirit-wood. His restless spirit attempts to communicate warnings to Liska about the dangers within the estate.