First Love - A Romantic Story for Sleep characters

Appears from the start

A sixteen-year-old Russian recalling the summer when he first fell in love. While preparing for university at his parents' country house near Moscow, he is captivated by the young woman living next door. Inexperienced, ardent, and highly sensitive to her attention, he willingly joins a circle of older rivals whose social games he only partly understands.

First appears in chapter 2

The beautiful twenty-one-year-old daughter of an impoverished princess who rents a neighboring lodge. Lively, imperious, and unpredictable, she keeps several admirers in attendance and turns their devotion into games. Vladimir first sees her in the garden and is immediately overwhelmed by his attraction to her.

First appears in chapter 3

Zinaida's mother, a princess whose title conceals severe financial disorder and shabby manners. She appeals to Vladimir's better-connected family for help with a petition and treats social visits largely as opportunities to improve her position.

Appears from the start

Vladimir's handsome, self-contained father, still young enough to impress his son as a model of confidence and command. He is courteous but emotionally distant at home, exercises a powerful influence over his wife, and gives Vladimir only occasional moments of intimate attention.

Appears from the start

Vladimir's anxious and socially conscious mother. Older than her husband and uneasy about his detachment, she has little power within the marriage and worries that her son's freedom in the country will distract him from preparing for university.

First appears in chapter 4

A skeptical physician and one of Zinaida's regular admirers. Older and more observant than Vladimir, he stands slightly apart from the other suitors and answers the household's playful excitement with dry, probing remarks.

First appears in chapter 4

A young hussar and one of Zinaida's most openly passionate suitors. His military directness, jealousy, and willingness to offer extravagant proofs of devotion make him a conspicuous member of her competing circle of admirers.

First appears in chapter 4

A polished count in Zinaida's circle. Socially assured, fashionable, and given to mocking remarks, he competes for her attention with an ease that makes the inexperienced Vladimir feel even younger among the other admirers.