Little Vera

Kolya is a boozy, volatile father whose alcoholism fuels constant strain in the family. His outbursts escalate into dangerous moments, such as locking Sergei in the bathroom, and contribute to a violent confrontation. He oscillates between harsh control and fragile care, shaping Vera's uneasy sense of safety.

Vera is a young woman craving independence, nightlife, and Western-inspired fashion. Her flirtation with risk and her romance with Sergei pull her between family expectations and personal longing. She embodies the era's mix of vitality, vulnerability, and defiant charm.

Sergei is an old friend of Victor who becomes Vera's love interest. He embodies passion and loyalty but is threatened by family conflict and the consequences of Vera's choices. His relationship with Vera is intense but increasingly strained by circumstances beyond their control.

Victor is a doctor from Moscow whose visit to Vera's family brings external eyes into their tumult. He contributes to the emotional tension by offering tranquilizers and a rational perspective that contrasts with Vera's impulsive world. He acts as a bridge to a wider Russia while highlighting the family’s fragility.

Lenka is part of Vera's social circle, representing peer influence and the broader youth culture. She provides a counterpoint to Vera's rebellious streak, illustrating the variety of paths available to adolescence under scrutiny.

Andryusha is a former classmate who pursues Vera, highlighting unwanted attention and boundary-testing that Vera resists. His persistence adds tension and showcases the era's gendered dynamics within romantic advances.

Mikhail Petrovich is Vera's brother-figure whose presence contrasts with Vera's rebellious streak. He represents a more conventional, orderly path within the family core and underscores the clash between different generations' values.

Tolik is a minor but part of the wider social circle that frames Vera's environment. He adds texture to the youthful world around Vera without driving the central plot.