Piotr Andreitch Grineff

Piotr Andreitch Grineff (PYOH-tr ahn-DREH-ihch grih-NEHF) serves as a young officer within a Russian regiment. Known for his kindness and generosity, Piotr becomes enamored with the commandant’s daughter, Maria Ivanovna. His affection for her is deep, prompting him to take extraordinary measures to ensure her safety. Piotr's dedication to Maria manifests in actions such as defending her honor through a duel after a fellow officer mocks a love poem he has crafted for her. Initially, Piotr’s parents disapprove of this romantic connection, but Maria’s resolve and character eventually win them over, leading to their blessing of the union. Furthermore, Piotr is saved from exile in Siberia due to Maria's brave intervention with the Empress.

Maria Ivanovna

Maria Ivanovna (MAH-ryuh ih-VAH-nov-nuh), the captain’s daughter, is portrayed as a lovely and determined young woman deeply in love with Piotr Andreitch Grineff. Her unwavering commitment to Piotr is evident when she travels to his parents seeking protection, impressing them with her demeanor to the point of reversing their initial disapproval of the marriage. Maria's steadfast courage and resourcefulness are further highlighted when she successfully petitions the Empress to save Piotr from exile, showcasing her influential role in their relationship and her ability to navigate complex social situations to protect her beloved.

Alexey Ivanitch Shvabrin

Alexey Ivanitch Shvabrin (ah-lehk-SAY ih-VAHN-ihch SHVAH-brihn) is depicted as an officer in Piotr's regiment who harbors feelings for Maria Ivanovna. After Maria rejects his advances, his jealousy towards Piotr intensifies. This envy becomes a driving factor in his actions, leading him to defect to the rebel faction led by Pougatcheff when they seize the Bailogorsk fortress. Shvabrin's animosity towards Piotr is further demonstrated by his attempts to disrupt Piotr and Maria's relationship. His malevolence culminates in accusing Piotr of being a rebel spy, ultimately resulting in Piotr's sentence to exile.

Emelyan Pougatcheff

Emelyan Pougatcheff (eh-meh-LYAHN pew-GAH-chehf) emerges as a formidable Cossack rebel leader, claiming to be the late Emperor Peter III. His leadership is marked by cruelty and ruthlessness, particularly evident during the capture of the Bailogorsk fortress. Despite this harsh exterior, Pougatcheff spares Piotr’s life and provides him safe passage, a gesture of gratitude for the young officer’s earlier kindness during a snowstorm when Piotr had offered him a sheepskin coat while unaware of Pougatcheff’s true identity.

Savelitch

Savelitch (sah-VEH-lihch) stands as Piotr's devoted old servant, whose loyalty and shrewdness save his master from numerous perilous situations. Savelitch's intervention is pivotal in ensuring Piotr's well-being, showcasing his unwavering dedication and astute judgment in critical moments.

Vassilissa Egorovna

Vassilissa Egorovna (vah-SIH-lih-sah eh-GOH-rov-nah) is the captain’s wife, renowned for her adept management of both her household and her husband’s regiment. Her capabilities are undeniable, and she stands firm in her convictions. Tragically, her outspokenness leads to her demise when she protests vehemently against her husband's execution by the Cossack insurgents, an act that results in her own death.

Captain Ivan Mironoff

Captain Ivan Mironoff commands the Bailogorsk fortress, where he serves as Piotr's superior. His dedication to duty is evident until the fortress is overtaken by Emelyan Pougatcheff’s Cossack forces. In the wake of this defeat, Captain Mironoff faces a grim fate, as he and his aides are ordered to be hanged by the rebel leader.

Captain Zourin

Captain Zourin plays a critical role in the narrative, rescuing Piotr, his family, and Maria from the menacing threat posed by the renegade Alexey Ivanitch Shvabrin. His intervention is pivotal in ensuring their safety and highlights his bravery and resourcefulness in dire circumstances.