Leo Demidov
The protagonist of the novel, Leo Demidov is a former Soviet secret police agent who is living in exile in Siberia with his wife and children. He is called back to Moscow to investigate a series of murders that are connected to a larger conspiracy involving the highest levels of the Soviet government. Through Demidov's character, the author explores themes of power, corruption, and the human condition. As a former secret police agent, Demidov is initially portrayed as a ruthless and loyal servant of the state.
However, as the story unfolds, he begins to question the government's methods and ideology and becomes disillusioned with the Stalinist regime. Through Demidov's character, the author shows how the Stalinist system can corrupt even the most loyal and dedicated of its servants.
Raisa Demidov
Leo's wife, Raisa is a strong and determined woman who is fiercely loyal to her husband. She is also a survivor of the Stalinist system, having lost her family in the purges of the 1930s.
Through Raisa's character, the author explores themes of love, loyalty, and resilience. Raisa's unwavering support for her husband and her determination to stand by him even in the face of adversity serves as a powerful counterpoint to the corruption and betrayal that characterizes the Stalinist regime.
General Nesterov
A high-ranking Soviet official who is involved in the conspiracy, General Nesterov is a powerful and ruthless character who is determined to maintain the status quo. Through Nesterov's character, the author explores themes of power, corruption, and the abuse of authority. Nesterov's character is the embodiment of the Stalinist system, showing how absolute power can corrupt absolutely, and how those in positions of authority will stop at nothing to maintain their power and control over others.
Zoya
A young woman who is a survivor of the earlier killings, Zoya is a victim of the Stalinist system. Through Zoya's character, the author explores themes of trauma, survival, and the human cost of political violence. Zoya's character is a reminder of the innocent victims of the Stalinist regime, and the human cost of the government's actions.
Ex-soldiers
A group of ex-soldiers who were involved in the earlier killings, these characters represent the human cost of the Stalinist regime's actions. Through their characters, the author explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. These characters are also a reminder of how even those who were once loyal servants of the state can be corrupted and turned into perpetrators of violence and oppression.
