Teodor Mykolayenko
The protagonist of the novel, he is unjustly imprisoned for withholding grain that he had intended to keep in order for his family to survive. Teodor is a pragmatic, hardworking man who is accustomed to long, backbreaking farm labor. His endurance is more than a physical trait however as he is the steady, reliable pillar of quiet emotional stability that his family is able to draw strength from during difficult times.
Maria Mykolayenko
Teodor’s equally hardworking and enduring wife, Maria, is a perfect match and foil for her tough husband. While imprisoned she works ceaselessly to provide for their five children. If Teodor is the pillar that supports the Mykolayenko family Maria on the other hand is the light and joy of their household. She is kind and generous to a fault, supporting even Teo’s sister and her children during bleak winters.
Anne
Anne is Teo’s elder sister. She was the favorite in their family, treated like a princess because of her beauty despite their poverty. She is spoiled and greatly dislikes farm work. She is swept of her feet by a charming military officer who would then become her husband. She is eventually abandoned by her husband but not before fathering two children with her. She is a broken woman, near mad from years of abuse from her husband and all but completely emotionally detached from her children.
Stefan
Stefan is Anne’s worthless husband. He was formerly a soldier enlisted in the army of the Russian Tsar, then he becomes an officer in Stalin’s army when the Russian Communist Party comes into power. He is a lazy, irresponsible man more concerned with drinking and partying rather than working the land that he owns. He is also arrogant, scheming man who later on tries to cheat Teodor and Maria of their earnings through deceit and violence.
