Marya Dmitrievna Kalitin

Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky

Marya Dmitrievna is initially charmed and later dominated by the manipulative Varvara Pavlovna.

Vladimir Nikolaitch Panshin

Marya Dmitrievna favors Panshin as a suitable match for her daughter Lisa, admiring his social graces.

Lisa Mihalovna

Marya Dmitrievna is Lisa's mother, but their relationship is strained by Marya's vanity and lack of understanding.

Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky

Lavretsky is a polite but distant acquaintance of Marya Dmitrievna, who initially disapproves of him.

Gedeonovsky

Gedeonovsky is a gossipy, sycophantic acquaintance who frequently visits Marya Dmitrievna to share news.

Vladimir Nikolaitch Panshin

Marya Dmitrievna favors Panshin as a suitable match for her daughter Lisa, admiring his social graces.

Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky

Marya Dmitrievna is initially charmed and later dominated by the manipulative Varvara Pavlovna.

Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky

Lavretsky is a polite but distant acquaintance of Marya Dmitrievna, who initially disapproves of him.

Lisa Mihalovna

Marya Dmitrievna is Lisa's mother, but their relationship is strained by Marya's vanity and lack of understanding.

Varvara Pavlovna Lavretsky

Marya Dmitrievna is initially charmed and later dominated by the manipulative Varvara Pavlovna.

Gedeonovsky

Gedeonovsky is a gossipy, sycophantic acquaintance who frequently visits Marya Dmitrievna to share news.

Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky

Lavretsky is a polite but distant acquaintance of Marya Dmitrievna, who initially disapproves of him.

I

A widow of about fifty, living in O... with her two daughters and aunt; sentimental and self-indulgent, she retains boarding-school manners.

II

Hosts the conversation, expresses concern for Lavretsky as a relative, and seeks gossip about his return.

III

Greets Panshin warmly, admires his horse, and invites him inside.

IV

Hostess of the gathering, adores Panshin, and leaves with Gedeonovsky to discuss Lavretsky.

VII

Flustered by Lavretsky's arrival, tries to appear sympathetic but is inwardly critical of his composure.

XVII

Complains of a headache and restless night; speaks to Lavretsky about Panshin's courtship of Lisa and her maternal efforts; dismisses Lavretsky as a 'dolt' after he leaves.

XXI

Hosts the evening, laughs at Lemm's conducting, but retires early, finding Beethoven too agitating.

XXIII

Referenced as the one who tells Lisa that Panshin is a fine young man, influencing her obedience.

XXIV

Agrees to the visit after Lavretsky's flattering gestures; suggests including Panshin.

XXVI

Visits Vassilyevskoe with her young people, acts condescendingly, and enjoys fishing.

XXVII

Expresses desire to return home; falls asleep during the carriage ride.

XXVIII

Marya Dmitrievna appears escorted by Gedeonovsky and later sits down to play cards with Marfa Timofyevna, Madame Byelenitsin, and Gedeonovsky.

XXIX

Gives Lavretsky a less than cordial welcome; influenced by Panshin's disparaging remarks.

Lavretsky's Hope and Lisa's Confession

Plays picquet with Panshin; shows slight vexation at Lavretsky's arrival but continues the game.

XXXI

Has been set against Lavretsky but is softened by his losing at picquet.

XXXII

Sulky with Lavretsky, receives him condescendingly; stands languidly during the service, bored.

XXXIII

Enjoys the evening, agrees with Panshin's views, and later plays picquet with him.

XXXIV

Marya Dmitrievna hosts the evening, plays picquet with Panshin, and retires after the game.

XXXV

Lisa's mother, who boasts of educating her children but is indolent and only superficially attentive, dressing Lisa up and praising her before visitors.

XXXVI

Claims a headache and refuses to receive Lavretsky.

XXXVIII

Weeps and scolds Lisa for rejecting Panshin, accusing her of ingratitude and blaming the cousin.

XXXIX

Agitated but curious, she receives Varvara Pavlovna and is quickly won over by her charm and flattery.

XL

Hosts the evening, delighted by Varvara's performance, and secretly schemes to reconcile Varvara with Lavretsky, oblivious to the manipulation around her.

XLIII

She arranges the reconciliation, weeping and pleading with Lavretsky to forgive his wife, and hides Varvara Pavlovna behind a screen to force the meeting.

Epilogue

Has died two years after Lisa took the veil.