Krystyna Zylberberg is a Jewish Polish-Austrian from Galicia (Eastern Europe). Her family was a member of a separatist party that opposed Austria-Hungary, so they went to Russia to avoid persecution. Although grown up in a rather poor household, she learned to be content and modest. She is outgoing, yet her weak tone of voice and uncomfortable smile make her seem a little strange and out of place when she speaks to people. She is also naive, very quiet, and just wants to do her job.