Pauline - (soprano) The General's ward. She is in love with the tutor, Alexei, and owes sizable gambling debts to the Marquis. She gives her jewelry to Alexei to pawn so that he can win money to repay her debts.

Alexei - (tenor) Tutor for the General's children. He is in love with Pauline, and his willingness to do anything for her brings the threat of scandal on the General's family. Like the other characters in the story, he is a somewhat reckless gambler.

The General - (bass) Pauline's legal guardian, the General is a middle-aged man enamoured of the young opportunist Blanche. The General is very concerned that scandal and his own debts might prevent him from winning Blanche.

Blanche - (alto) A young lady of the demi-monde, Blanche at first seems interested in the General, but is then wooed away by Prince Nilsky.

Grandma - (mezzo-soprano) Pauline's grandma from Moscow, and also the General's rich aunt. The family members are all waiting for her to die so that they can gamble with their inheritance. Although she is reported to be ill, she joins them at the spa in perfect health and ready to gamble.