6M, 4W or 7M, 4W
MENA TALVELA: F, late teens/early 20s. Pragmatic, tough, and level-headed. Unflappapble until she’s pushed too far, at which point the fire comes out.
ERKKI KORTE: M, late teens/early 20s. Mena’s boyfriend, later her husband. Has a big heart and good intentions, but lacks maturity and harbors a strong desire for glory and grandeur. Drinks too much.
ILMATAR: F, of indeterminate age but should appear older than Mena. A goddess. Presents herself as regal and omnipotent, both of which are illusory to different degrees. Could best be described as “chaotic neutral”.
ILMARINEN: M, of indeterminate age but should be a peer of Ilmatar. The blacksmith god. Far more casual and snarky than Ilmatar, with whom he frequently spars. Occupies “chaotic neutral” along with Ilmatar.
JOSEPH STALIN: M, middle-aged. Dictator of the Soviet Union and enemy to Ilmatar. In possession of magic that makes him especially dangerous. Has an over-the-top, almost Vaudevillian side to personality along with an insecure side. Is much more than he seems. Played by the same actor as The Duck.
SUVI: F, late teens/early 20s. Mena’s best friend. Sarcastic and quick-witted, her relationship with Mena is complicated by feelings for her friend that are ahead of their time, and which neither of them understands.
HINKKA: M, early 20s. Korte’s friend. An odd duck – has psychic abilities that are mostly latent at the top of the play.
PRUIHAN: M, late teens/early 20s. Korte and Hinkka’s friend. Would be considered a “bro” if he were alive today. (Can be doubled with the German Soldier)
Mama: Female, middle-aged. Mena’s mother. Stubborn and short-tempered but ultimately loving.
Papa: Male, middle-aged. Mena’s father. A gentler counterpoint to Mama.
GERMAN SOLDIER: M, 20s. A companion of sorts to Suvi – also, a Nazi. Seems like a sensitive “nice guy”, until he doesn’t. (Can be doubled with Pruihan)
THE DUCK: M. A magic creature and general force for good. Mostly non-speaking. Played by the same actor as Stalin.
Bit roles: Doctor, Demon, Newscaster