Henrik
Best friend of Konrad, Henrik is one of the main characters in the book. He is the former general of the empire(Austro-Hungarian) and has been waiting in his castle for Konrad to come so he can make amends. Henrik is a nobility born child and has grown up rich and prosperous his whole life. He goes on to marry Konrad's friend Krisztina but faces a major backlash from Konrad later in time.
Konrad
Konrad is the best friend of Henrik. Konrad is born and brought up in a more aristocratic lifestyle and has had to work hard for the life he lives and his earnings. He often is seen with Krisztina or Henrik and is known to have caused a severe betrayal that left Henrik to recluse back to his castle. The breaking of friendship is instigated by Konrad as he leaves and is not seen again for another forty-one years. Konrad is the other main character in the book.
Krisztina
Krisztina is one of Konrad's friends and the wife of Henrik. She meets Henrik when the soldiers are in Vienna and she hits it off with him as soon as they have a meal. Konrad instantly gets acclimated to the relationship but then betrays Krisztina by disappearing into the forest, never to be seen again. Krisztina is one of the major female leads in the book and gives insight into the female interpretation.
