Valentina

An 18-year-old waitress in a small Siberian village who harbors unrequited feelings for the local investigator, Shamanov. Her confession triggers the central romance and its perilous obstacles. She endures the night’s aftermath with bruises and emotional strain, navigating a harsh social landscape.

A calm, observant investigator who becomes the focus of Valentina’s affection. He moves through the drama with measured decisions, trying to maintain order in a tangle of secrets. His composed demeanor contrasts with the volatility around him.

The village pharmacist who secretly loves Shamanov and chooses to withhold a key note for their planned meeting. Her actions influence Valentina’s path and reflect the tension between personal desire and social strategy. She embodies secrecy and calculated moves in a small town.

Pavel and Valentina’s community link as the cafeteria worker Anna, a mother figure who influences marriage prospects due to family expectations. She views Mechetkine as a practical match, illustrating how social pressures shape relationships.

The son of Anna whose intense infatuation with Valentina triggers jealousy and a volatile confrontation with Shamanov. His actions reveal the dangerous edge of passion in a tightly knit village.

A local hunter who embodies the rugged, traditional side of village life. He operates within the social circle of Valentina’s world and contributes to the setting’s realism.

The village accountant who represents practical, steady options for marriage and partnership. His presence underscores the social pressure to secure a stable match.

Valentina’s father, a guardian of traditional village values who sees practical considerations as guiding a suitable marriage. He reinforces the social norms shaping his daughter’s choices.

Anna’s husband, part of the village’s social network and the fabric of their relationships, illustrating the interconnected loyalties that influence decisions.

A local power-plant mechanic who adds realism to the village backdrop, highlighting daily work life alongside the drama.