The Beautician and the Beast

A confident New York City beautician who becomes a tutor for Boris's children in Slovetzia. She uses practical, empowering guidance to help the kids and the family gain confidence, challenging the dictator's control. Her independence clashes with Boris's intimidating image, yet she helps spark ideas for reform and open dialogue. She reveals her true identity to Boris and eventually returns to New York City after political tensions rise.

Slovetzia's dictator who desires to shed his feared reputation and embrace reform. He initially resists Joy's influence but grows to consider a more open leadership, including courting public opinion and elections. He navigates power struggles, shaves his mustache, and ultimately frees Alek while agreeing to elections. He ends up sharing a kiss with Joy, signaling a personal and political transformation.

Boris's daughter, who develops a relationship with Alek. She becomes entangled in Joy's efforts to empower the younger generation and to challenge the status quo. Katrina participates in secret meetings that bridge personal relationships with political action, reflecting the human side of the rebellion within Slovetzia.

Boris's son who dreams of becoming an artist. Joy encourages his artistic ambitions and helps him gain confidence to pursue his passion, illustrating how personal dreams can coexist with political change. Karl's pursuit of art provides a contrast to the dictator's rigid world and highlights the film's themes of self-expression.

Leader of the youth rebellion who represents the energy and risk-taking of Slovetzia's younger generation. His connection with Katrina and his conflict with the authorities place him at the center of the struggle for political change. Alek is ultimately jailed and then acknowledged within the broader push for reform.

A diplomat from Slovetzia who hires Joy as a tutor and becomes an intermediary between the outside world and the dictatorship. He informs Boris about Leonid's usurpation and supports the movement toward elections and change. Ira acts as a bridge between Joy's Western perspective and Slovetzia's political realities.

Prime Minister who counsels harsh measures and ultimately seizes administrative power in Slovetzia. He clashes with Joy, threatens her with treason, and oversteps his authority in pursuit of control. His downfall comes as Boris reasserts authority and challenges Leonid's grip on power.

A prison guard who is part of the regime's machinery, overseeing Alek's confinement. His presence underscores the stakes of the political conflict and the consequences of the crackdown on dissent.

A backstage figure involved in organizing the events surrounding the political summit and public appearances. His role helps propel the formal aspects of the regime's diplomacy and Joy's orchestrations.