Vladimir Nobokov
Because the genre of the work is autobiography, Vladimir appears as the main character of his own story. As a child, Vladimir was particularly sensitive and imaginative, and by a young age, his imaginary hallucinations had begun.
Vladimir's mother.
Of Vladimir's parents, it is his mother who filled the role of trusted companion and confidante. As a person, she seems to be the genetic origin of Vladimir's strange "sixth sense" so to speak. For instance, she also enjoys her synesthesia, a condition the boy also has (synesthesia is when sensory data blends in consistent ways over time, often manifesting around language and music perception).
Colette
Vladimir's crush, another writer in Biarritz where his family vacations. They agree to be married, but alas, since they were only ten at the time, the marriage does not go through.
Yuri
Vladimir's cousin. This branch of the family has not seen the same economic success that Vladimir's has, and the story describes their friendship across that status line.
Tamara
Nabokov, the helpless lover that he is, falls in love again. This time, it's during the outbreak of the First World War. Although the two feel insulated from the war, their love is disrupted when Vladimir shares their intimate secrets through his published poetry.
