Ludmila Derev – A young Russian woman from a crumbling post-Soviet town in the Caucasus, who struggles with poverty and the threat of exploitation..

Bent and Blair Heath – Conjoined twins from England who are surgically separated early in the novel. Bent: is more aggressive, impulsive, and selfish. Blair is more passive, thoughtful, and moral.

The General – A manipulative and predatory figure who orchestrates Ludmila’s journey toward the West.

The Matchmaker – middleman who facilitates the mail-order bride business. He helps connect Ludmila with potential suitors from the West.