Pekka Puupää

Well-meaning but impulsive husband who stumbles into money-making schemes after his wife leaves him to be a housekeeper. He spearheads the idea of Pekka Puupää's kindergarten and drifts between clever plans and comic chaos. His heart is in the right place, even when his methods are disastrously impractical.

Pekka's loyal, goofy friend who eagerly dives into schemes for quick cash. He often blunders through situations but remains supportive and endearingly naïve. His unflagging enthusiasm keeps the plan moving, even when it spirals out of control.

Pekka's wife, who leaves Pekka in charge as a housekeeper in Helsinki. She is practical and protective, bringing a sense of order when misadventures threaten to overwhelm the household. Her arrival reframes the chaos and sets up the moral payoff at the end.

Neighbor who is initially horrified by the chaotic events but ultimately becomes part of the social orbit around Pekka and Pätkä. Her reactions drive some of the misunderstandings and later a light romantic development.

Taxi driver who unknowingly becomes entangled in the criminals' scheme. He chases the story through the city, providing a link between the crime, the baby, and the police, and ultimately aiding in clearing up the confusion.

Petty criminal who steals the millionaire's baby, setting the main conflict in motion. He hides in plain sight and becomes a catalyst for the farcical chase and mistaken-identity moments that define the plot.

Boxer who becomes an accidental participant in Pekka and Pätkä's money-making plan. His rivalry with Pätkä, interrupted by a sleeping potion mishap, adds physical humor to the story.

The millionaire father whose kidnapped baby becomes the central plot motor. He rewards Pekka and Pätkä for taking care of his child, providing a classic fairy-tale ending of gratitude and reward.