Hermann
Hermann is the story's protagonist. Born to a German father, Hermann is characterized as calculating and risk-averse. He lives off his modest salary as an Army Engineers officer. However, he is also a natural-born gambler whose greed overtakes him after he believes he has learned a sure-fire way to win.
Lizaveta Ivanovna
Lizaveta Ivanovna is a ward of the Countess. Hermann pursues a flirtation with Liza in order to gain access to the Countess and discover her secret. Liza is described as beautiful and shy. She has a fresh face and gleaming black eyes, and is prone to blushing.
The Countess
The Countess is Tomsky's grandmother. She possesses secret knowledge about how to win the card game faro. Known as the Venus from Moscow in her youth, the Countess is described as being vain in her late life, wearing elaborate clothing and many layers of makeup and adornment.
Paul Tomsky
Tomsky is grandson to the Countess. During a game of poker, Hermann overhears Tomsky tell the story of the how the Countess acquired a secret formula for winning at faro.
Chekalinsky
Chekalinsky is a wealthy gambler who hosts games at his home in Moscow. At the end of the story, Hermann loses his third bet to Chekalinsky. At 60, he is distinguished-looking with silver hair, a fresh face, sparkling eyes and a bright smile.
