Mathew
Mathew is a thirteen-year-old boy living in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathew struggles to understand the devastating effects of COVID-19 measures. Mathew and his family remain indoors, unless when they are going to buy essential commodities and services. Mathew does not go to school and is not allowed to play with his friends because that increases the risk of contracting the deadly COVID-19 virus.
Mathew is forced to accept the reality and face the tough times ahead. There is a lockdown in most parts of the world, and his father is stuck in Paris. Many countries have closed their airspaces because of the fear of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Mathew is tasked with taking care of his great-grandmother. During the conversations between Mathew and his great-grandmother, he learns about the dark history of his ancestors, which gives him the courage to face the current dilemma.
Mathew’s mother
The author depicts Mathew's mother as caring, concerned and strict. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mathew's mother ensures her son follows the regulations and stays at home. Mathew's mother also cares for her 100-year-old grandmother to ensure her safety.
Mathew’s father
Mathew's father is a journalist dedicated to his work and family. Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 pandemic erupts, he is stuck at his workstation in Paris. While in Paris, Mathew's father reports on the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is part of his duties. However, Mathew's father misses his family, especially Mathew, who wishes to accompany him to PlayStations and shopping.
Mathew's great-grandmother
Great-grandmother is 100 years old and among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Great-grandmother is secretive because she has hidden important information about the Ukraine famine, which killed millions in 1932. Mathew's mother is aware that her grandmother is at high risk, and she brings her into her apartment to receive special attention.
Mila
Mila is a privileged daughter of a communist party member in Ukraine. Mila is a humane, humble and honest girl who can point out societal evils at any moment. When Mila meets a starving girl who claims to be her relative, she buys her food despite putting her life in danger. Mila is a great fan of Papa Stalin, but when she realizes he is an evil man, she openly expresses her opinions without fear.
Helen
Helen is the daughter of immigrant parents. Helen lives with her Ukrainian family in Brooklyn, in the United States of America. Helen is concerned about her home in Ukraine when she learns that people are starving to death due to a horrific famine. When Helen receives letters from her cousins about the worsening situation in Ukraine, she steals her father's gold and sends it to them. Helen directs her cousins to sell the gold and purchase food.
Papa Stalin
Papa Stalin is the leader of the Soviet Union, and the author describes him as evil. Papa Starling engineers the Ukraine famine to kill the freedom movement fighters in Ukraine who are demanding independence from the Soviet Union.
