A skilled surgeon and native Russian who works in a hospital in Volchansk. She is dedicated to her profession and navigates challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field.

An intelligent and curious eight-year-old girl with an interest in science. She is taken to a hospital in Volchansk for safety after her father is captured.

A resident of Eldár and a former Soviet Army soldier. He writes a history of Russia and has a complicated relationship with his son, Ramzan.

Havaa’s father and a generous man who offers refuge to those passing through the village. He is a skilled chess player and close friend of Akhmed and Ramzan.

A resident of Eldár who becomes an informer for the Feds after enduring severe torture. He remains ostracized by the villagers and his father, Khassan.

Sonja’s sister who struggles with addiction and PTSD. She briefly returns to Volchansk after a failed attempt to leave Russia and assists at the hospital.