There are many characters in Childhood, Boyhood, Youth by Leo Tolstoy. Childhood, Boyhood, Youth contains three parts, and it is the first written work of Tolstoy. The main characters are as follows: Nikolai Petrovich Irtenev, Vladimir Petrovich, Piotr Alek Sandrovich, Natalya Nikolayevna, and Dmitri Nekhlyudov.

Nikolai Petrovich Irtenev is a ten-year-old Russian boy. The entire story is about Nikolai and his growth from childhood to adolescence. Nikolai is very insecure and self-centered. These qualities limit the relationships he engages in and cause him to struggle with finding a moral balance.

Vladimir Petrovich is Nikolai's older brother. As in many sibling relationships, Vladimir tolerates his younger brother rather than forming a true emotional bond with him (which often comes later in life for siblings). Vladimir is a happy person and is more understanding than his brother.

Piotr Alek Sandrovich is the father of Nikolai and Vladimir. Piotr is a gentleman who enjoys playing cards.

Natalya Nikolayevna is Piotr's wife and Nikolai's mother. Unfortunately, Natalya dies early in her life. Nikolai often remembers his mother's kind smile and the love she had for him.

Dmitri Nekhlyudov is Nikolai's best friend. Dmitri is very morally sound and refuses to engage in activities that he considers inappropriate, such as smoking and drinking.