White Nights

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Dreamer - the main character, a young man living in St. Petersburg. He is lonely and immersed in his dreams, which hinder him from forming real relationships with people. Over four nights, he meets Nastenka, and this acquaintance changes his life. He begins to feel genuine emotions but ultimately remains alone as Nastenka returns to her beloved.
• Nastenka - a young girl who lives with her grandmother. She is open and sincere, yet also naive and vulnerable. Nastenka is waiting for her beloved to return, who promised to marry her. Her encounter with the Dreamer gives her hope and support, but ultimately she chooses to return to her former beloved when he comes back.