The Snow Maiden

Main Characters and Their Development

• The Snow Maiden - the main character of the play, daughter of Spring-Beauty and Father Frost. She is characterized by her coldness and inability to feel love. Throughout the play, the Snow Maiden seeks to understand human emotions and learn to love. Ultimately, she falls in love with Mizgir, but her love leads to her demise as she melts from the warmth of love.
• Mizgir - a wealthy merchant who falls in love with the Snow Maiden. He is persistent and willing to do anything for his love. His feelings for the Snow Maiden are sincere but ultimately lead to her demise.
• Lel - a shepherd who embodies spring and love. He attracts the attention of many girls, including the Snow Maiden. Lel symbolizes free and unrestrained love.
• Kupava - a friend of the Snow Maiden, who is initially in love with Mizgir but then rejects him due to his infidelity. She symbolizes the suffering and jealousy associated with love.
• Spring-Beauty - the Snow Maiden's mother, the goddess of spring. She cares for her daughter and tries to protect her from human passions.
• Father Frost - the Snow Maiden's father, the embodiment of winter. He also tries to shield his daughter from the dangers of the human world.