Lars Levi Laestadius (Mad Lasse)
Lars Levi is the central character, a Lutheran church minister who moves to the Arctic Circle to introduce Christianity to the Sámi reindeer herders. The author depicts Lars Levi as an optimistic man of God who does not stop at anything until he achieves his goals. However, Lars' sermons face opposition from the local Sámi reindeer herders who believe in their traditions.
Lars finds it hard at first to control the locals in his church because they are drunkards. However, Lars remains determined to change the locals to Christianity, and his efforts start bearing fruits when Biettar Rasti converts to Christianity. Biettar Rasti is a former senior member of the reindeer community. With time, the Sámi reindeer herders start accepting Lars' sermons and convert to Christianity.
Willa
Willa is the daughter of Lars Levi, and the author initially describes her as God-fearing, obedient and respectful. When Lars Levi moves to the Arctic Circle to convert locals to Christianity, he moves with her. After some time, Willa falls in love with Ivvár, the son of a former senior member of the reindeer community. Willa becomes rebellious and rude towards her father. Willa falls in love crazily with Ivvár, and she follows him everywhere. The love between Willa and Ivvár goes beyond cultural and religious boundaries.
Ivvár
Ivvár is the son of Biettar Rasti, a young herder who cares for his father's large herd of cattle. Ivvár is a drunkard like his father, but the author describes him as romantic and outgoing. When Ivvár meets Willa, he breaks his engagement with a Sami girl and starts a new relationship. Ivvár and Willa become madly in love, and they plan to marry each other despite the opposition from their cultural norms and religious beliefs.
Biettar Rasti
Biettar Rasti is the father of Ivvár and a senior member of the Sámi reindeer community. Biettar is a drunkard man who initially opposes the presence of Lars Levi in the reindeer community. With time, Biettar starts attending Lars' sermons, and he converts to Christianity. Biettar’s decision to follow Lars’ sermons attracts more reindeer community members to Christianity.
