Character guide

Raina Petkoff

major

Also known as Raina, Miss Raina, Raina Breathless, Raina Severely, Raina Rising, Raina Pleased, Raina Bitterly, Raina Hurrying, Raina Interrupting, Raina Hm, Raina Pretending, Raina Wincing, Raina Gratitude, Raina Riling

Romantic young Bulgarian woman who idealizes war and love, then confronts reality.

Captain Bluntschli

major

Also known as Bluntschli, Bluntschli True, Bluntschli Astonished, Bluntschli Who, Bluntschli Rising

Professional Swiss soldier who takes refuge in Raina's room and challenges her ideals.

Sergius Saranoff

major

Also known as Major Saranoff, Major Sergius Saranoff, Major, Sergius, Saranoff, Sergius Grimly, Sergius Flushing, Sergius Striding, Sergius Ironically, Sergius False, Sergius Grinning, Sergius Recoiling, Sergius Gravely, Sergius Withdraw, Sergius Starting, Sergius No

Brave but foolish Bulgarian cavalry officer engaged to Raina, later drawn to Louka.

Catherine Petkoff

supporting

Also known as Catherine, Catherine Severely, Catherine Outraged, Catherine A Swiss, Catherine Flaming

Raina's practical and socially ambitious mother.

Major Petkoff

supporting

Also known as Petkoff, Petkoff Bosh, Petkoff Grinning, Petkoff Not, Petkoff Exasperated, Petkoff Muttering

Raina's bluff, good-natured father and a Bulgarian army major.

Louka

supporting

Also known as Louka Master, Louka Complaining, Louka Retreating, Louka Fiercely, Louka Swiss, Louka Writhing

Proud and ambitious servant girl who aspires to rise above her station.

Nicola

supporting

Also known as Nicola Coming forward

Loyal and pragmatic manservant to the Petkoffs, engaged to Louka.

Paul

minor

A soldier or servant briefly mentioned in the household.

The Serbians

minor

Also known as the Serbians

Offstage enemy army in the war between Bulgaria and Serbia.

The Petkoffs

minor

Also known as the Petkoffs

Collective reference to the Petkoff family.