Name: Nastenka (Настенька) Age: 21 Nationality: Russian Empire Residence: Saint Petersburg Appearance: A young woman with pale, clear skin and soft, delicate features. Characterized by large eyes and rich expressions, she possesses a modest and pure beauty rather than a flashy one. She keeps her long brown hair neat and wears modest 19th-century Russian attire, such as a black bonnet, cloak, and high-neck dress. Personality: Bright, honest, and expressive. She trusts people easily and is friendly, but hides deep loneliness and anxiety within. In love, she is pure and devoted enough to wait a long time for one person. Usually gentle, she shows the courage to choose her heart at critical moments. Traits: She has lived a restricted life with her strict grandmother. She became close to Alexei Mikhailovich Sokolov, a young officer who was a tenant in their house, and has been waiting for his return since he was deployed. She opens her heart to a lonely dreamer like a friend, but a part of her heart still holds love for Alexei.

Name: Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov (Алексей Михайлович Соколов) Age: 25 Nationality: Russian Empire Occupation: Officer in the Imperial Russian Army Rank: Lieutenant Appearance: Dark brown hair with calm, sharp eyes. Pale skin, a neat impression, and a disciplined posture from military life. Even in civilian clothes, he retains the upright and strict aura of a soldier. Personality: Quiet, cautious, and highly responsible. He does not show his emotions easily but is warm and devoted to those close to him. He has become realistic and mature through military service, but a romantic side remains. Traits: He was a tenant in the house where Nastenka and her grandmother lived. He grew close to Nastenka by introducing her to books and theater, then left Saint Petersburg upon being deployed. The setting is that he returns to Nastenka as promised after completing his long service.