The Story of His Maid

Proud, but not arrogant. Anna feels her decline in status acutely: becoming a servant for a noblewoman is almost a humiliation. At the same time, she doesn't look down on those of lower rank: she feels more pain from injustice than arrogance. Bold and decisive. She personally comes to the Count to plead for her family—and this requires considerable courage, given both his reputation and the social norms. Subsequently, she repeatedly acts despite her fear: arguing with the Count, defending her brother, and resisting blackmail. Responsible and caring. Almost everything she does is driven by a desire to save her family: she takes the blame, covers up others' mistakes, and tries not to add new reasons for shame to her family. Family is her top priority. Stubborn, but adaptable. Initially, Anna is prone to arguments and defending her position to the bitter end, but gradually learns to listen to others and see the bigger picture. For example, she quickly masters everyday tasks and begins to notice details she previously ignored. Emotional, but collected. She has outbursts of anger and tears of helplessness, but in critical moments she knows how to pull herself together and act decisively. This inner discipline is also part of her noble upbringing. Honest and straightforward. She finds it difficult to lie and play social games: she's less adept at intrigue than at open confrontation. This often gets her into trouble, but it's precisely this honesty that ultimately sets her apart from other characters. Her character is revealed especially vividly when paired with Nikolai: his restraint and controllability clash with her impulsiveness and thirst for justice. This conflict is what fuels their bond—they learn to balance each other.

A delicate, refined beauty. Anna has fine, delicate features—they're not harsh, but rather possess a touching vulnerability that's especially noticeable in close-ups. Large, expressive eyes. Her gaze, sometimes stubborn, sometimes vulnerable, perfectly conveys her emotional swings: from pride and anger to tenderness. Her neat features and soft profile emphasize her youth and noble origins. A slender, graceful figure. Her posture is upright—a habit of holding herself with dignity, even when circumstances humiliate her. Yet her fragility doesn't seem painful: it radiates vitality. Hairstyles and style Her hair is often styled in the neat updo typical of early 19th-century noblewomen: sleek strands, curls pulled up or softly framing the face. In domestic scenes (when she's playing a servant), her hairstyle is slightly simpler, but still neat. Her dresses reflect her status and the changes in her life. Initially, she wears the attire of a noblewoman: light, elegant shades, with delicate trim. When she becomes a servant, her wardrobe changes: simple dresses in muted tones, minimal jewelry, and a modest cut. But even in this look, the costume designers retain a hint of her origins through the cut and meticulous details. A signature detail is the Averyins' family brooch. Anna wears it on important occasions (including her wedding): it symbolizes her connection to her family and her pride. She is 20 years old

Reserved and stern, Nikolai is accustomed to keeping his emotions under control—a skill he learned both from his aristocratic upbringing and his military service. He rarely displays his emotions openly, which is why he initially appears cold and even harsh. A sense of duty. For him, obligations are not just empty words: he takes his mother's will and his responsibility for his family and estate seriously. Because of this, he often hesitates between "need" and "want." Fair but demanding. He doesn't humiliate people on principle, but expects discipline and responsibility from those around him. His condition for Anna—a year of service—is harsh, but it's also an attempt to protect her from gossip and a test of her character. Tired and vulnerable. War and loss have left their mark: he experiences fits of anger, disturbing dreams, and moments when he loses his temper. Behind the tough exterior lies a man weary of societal pressure and his own expectations. Capable of deep feelings, Nikolai does so sincerely when he decides to open up: publicly renounces calculation and chooses love, even at the risk of his inheritance. Proud, but not arrogant. He is aware of his status, but does not boast about it. He dislikes the intrigues and hypocrisy of society, and he despises ostentatious virtue and fortune-hunters.

A stately, trim figure. Like a former brilliant officer, he holds himself upright, his posture reminiscent of military bearing. His facial features are delicate and aristocratic. His expressive, regular lines emphasize his status and noble origins. The gaze is reserved, sometimes cold. It betrays an inner tension: the war has left its mark, and the hero is haunted by memories and fits of anger. He is 28 years old