‘The Great’ is a wild ride through Catherine the Great’s life. Court politics, love stories and her quest to modernize Russia all unfold here. It mixes humor with drama, diving into power struggles and relationships. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult shine in this show. Clever writing and dynamic characters make it a must-watch. You won’t regret it, unless you do!

Meet the characters from The Great

Catherine

Oh man, Catherine is a riot — brilliant, ravenous for change, and secretly allergic to small talk. She can electrify a room with a single look and will dismantle centuries of tradition before breakfast (and then write a poem about it, probably stained with tea). She’s charmingly ruthless but also nerdy about maps and pottery (yes really, she has Opinions about porcelain). Totally a visionary who somehow keeps tripping over her own heart; dramatic, messy, and impossible to ignore.

Peter

Peter is the chaotic child-king energy in human form — petulant one minute, bafflingly tender the next, and extremely bad at basic adulting. He’ll declare war because someone insulted his hat, but then cry over a half-eaten apple, so, you know, consistent in his inconsistency. Often cruel but also weirdly vulnerable; imagine a spoiled golden retriever with a crown and political ambitions. He’s baffling, infuriating, and secretly a little sad, and that’s what makes him oddly watchable.

Marial

Marial is the quiet knife-in-the-dark kind of clever — appears calm and proper but actually hoards plans and strange little inventions (metal hairpins? tactical pastries?). She’s loyal in a way that makes you feel safe and a little guilty, because she’ll out-scheme you with a smile. Practically minded but romantic in weird, stubborn ways — reads old plays and then immediately burns one for warmth (or symbolism, who knows). Honestly, she’s the friend you want in a coup and also the one who brings soup when everything collapses.

Orlo

Orlo is the beloved awkward sidekick with more heart than sense — earnest, loud, and prone to bursts of loyalty that are almost poetic. He’ll cheer on ridiculous plans and then somehow pull through when it matters, like an unpolished hero who swears a lot. He’s funny and sweet and secretly writes terrible love sonnets that he never shows anyone (or does he?). Slightly chaotic energy, a touch unreliable on paper but shockingly brave in the moment.

Grigor

Grigor is the grumpy old brain of the room — cynical, dry-witted, and the sort to mutter history like it’s a curse word. He drinks too much, knows too much, and will deliver the most damning one-liner just before dinner (timing is cruelly impeccable). Deep down he’s sentimental about the past (and possibly pets), though he’ll deny it while polishing a dagger. You trust him because he’s honest in exactly the wrong ways, and that’s oddly comforting.

Archbishop

The Archbishop is pompous, theatrical, and morally flexible in the most ecclesiastical way — a walking sermon with a taste for fine linens and subtle threats. He looks down his nose at you but also keeps a surprising repertory of scandalous gossip (collects confessions? maybe). Hypocritical? Absolutely. Competent at political theater? Also absolutely — he’ll bless a treaty and then quietly broker a backdoor deal during the sermon, with a sigh and a flourish.

Velementov

Velementov is the chessmaster nobleman — suave, dangerous, and annoyingly composed, like he’s always three steps ahead and has an unnecessary number of handkerchiefs. Charming on the surface, but there’s a razor-sharp glint behind the smile and a ledger of favors tucked somewhere (literal or metaphorical, I can’t remember). He loves strategy, fine wine, and vague threats, and occasionally reveals a weirdly soft spot for stray animals (contradictory, I know). Basically the type you should be cautious of but also can’t help admiring.