Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin

XXIX

Mentioned alongside Seryozha as part of the familiar, 'nice and usual' life Anna believes she is returning to.

XXX

Meets Anna at the station. His frigid, imposing figure and sarcastic, weary tone instantly renew Anna's feeling of dissatisfaction and hypocrisy in their relationship.

Vronsky's Return to Petersburg

Meets Anna at the station. His cold, self-confident manner and sense of property over Anna annoy Vronsky. He speaks in a jesting, sarcastic tone to both Anna and Vronsky, formally inviting Vronsky to call while dismissing him.

Chapter XXXII

Mentioned as being at the ministry. Anna recalls his past, dismissive response to a suitor's attention, which reinforces her decision not to mention Vronsky.

Chapter XXXIII

Embodies rigid routine and public duty ('Unhasting and unresting'). He is self-satisfied about a political victory and seeks Anna's admiration for it. His intellectual interests are dutiful but lack genuine understanding, especially in art. The chapter highlights the profound emotional and intellectual gap between him and Anna.

The Circles of Society

Mentioned indirectly through his social circles. He holds the pious circle of Countess Lidia Ivanovna in high esteem, which Anna now avoids.

VI

His character is a topic of debate; praised by some as a statesman but called a fool by Princess Myakaya.

The Confession at the Soiree

Appears briefly, engages in a serious political debate, remains utterly oblivious to the scandal unfolding between his wife and Vronsky.

Chapter VIII

Deeply unsettled by Anna's behavior at the party. He attempts to rationalize his feelings through duty and principle, but is confronted by the terrifying, irrational 'chasm' of life and emotion. He prepares a formal, ministerial-style speech to address the issue.

The First Confrontation

Attempts a formal, duty-bound warning about Anna's conduct with Vronsky, but becomes emotionally agitated. He feels shut out from her soul, comparing it to finding his own house locked. His speech is halting and ineffective, revealing his pain and jealousy beneath a facade of propriety.

A New Life Begins

Feels helpless and submissive, like an ox awaiting a blow. His attempts to reason with Anna are undermined by his own habitual tone of sarcasm, which prevents genuine communication.

Chapter XVIII

His 'exalted position' is cited as a key reason the affair is so public and irksome, contributing to the scandal.

Chapter XXI

Mentioned in Vronsky's internal monologue as part of the 'strange feeling of loathing' Vronsky experiences, linked to the oppressive social structure and deception their affair requires.

XXII

Mentioned as being in Petersburg. Anna claims she doesn't think of him and that 'he doesn't exist,' though she later blushes with shame at the mention of him.

XXIII

Not physically present, but his imagined voice and official, spiteful manner dominate Anna's fears. She mimics his speech, emphasizing words like 'criminal,' and describes him as an unfeeling machine.

The Races

Seen at the racecourse looking for his wife, Anna, highlighting the public nature of their strained marital situation.

XXVI

Adopts a cold, bantering tone with Anna and Seryozha to avoid confronting his misery as a 'deceived husband.' He buries himself in work, refuses to acknowledge Anna's behavior, and is diagnosed with stress-related illness.

An Unwelcome Visit

Visits Anna at the country house, ostensibly for exercise and to deliver money. He speaks in his usual bantering, slightly sarcastic tone ('for nightingales... can’t live on fairy tales') and remains oblivious to the emotional undercurrents and Seryozha's distress.

The Races

Arrives at the racecourse and engages in a loquacious, intellectual defense of the races. His chatter is a mask for his inward distress. He observes Anna's rapt attention to Vronsky and, against his will, reads the truth of her feelings on her face, filling him with horror.

The Fall at the Races

Attempts to manage the public scandal of Anna's behavior. After her confession, he becomes rigid and demands she maintain external propriety while he determines his course of action.

Chapter XIII

Engages in a tortured, logical internal debate about how to respond to Anna's betrayal. He is motivated by a desire to avoid scandal, maintain his social position, and punish Anna, ultimately deciding on a cold, controlled continuation of the marriage.

Chapter XIV

Composes a cold, formal letter to Anna, demanding her return to Petersburg and the preservation of their marriage facade. He then loses himself in the intricate details of a departmental conflict over irrigation and native tribes, using bureaucratic work as an escape from his personal turmoil.

Chapter XV

His silent departure after Anna's confession looms over her, fueling her fears of being publicly shamed and turned out of the house.

Chapter XVI

Present through his letter. Anna interprets his words as a characteristic act of a 'mean character,' designed to keep himself morally 'in the right' while driving her 'to worse ruin.' She sees his Christianity and principles as a facade for cruelty and emotional suppression.

XX

Viewed by Vronsky as a 'superfluous and tiresome person,' whose only perceived right is to demand a duel.

The Meeting at Vrede's Garden

Absent but powerfully present through his letter, which Anna shows to Vronsky. His written response defines the crisis and underscores the social and legal constraints trapping Anna, particularly regarding their son.

The Confrontation

Fresh from a political triumph, he is thrown into turmoil by Anna's arrival. He dictates terms for their marriage based on social pretense: he will ignore her infidelity if she avoids public scandal and does not see Vronsky in their home.

I

Maintains appearances by seeing Anna daily but avoids dining at home, hoping the scandal will pass and his name remain unsullied.

II

Encountered by Vronsky leaving the house; his fixed, dull eyes meet Vronsky's in a silent, tense moment that defines the illicit situation.

III

Discussed but not present; Anna mockingly imitates his mannerisms and speech, describing him as an unfeeling, mechanical official who is 'perfectly satisfied' with their false situation.

The Confrontation

Consumed by righteous fury and a newfound, cold determination. He methodically plans to punish Anna through divorce and by taking Seryozha, viewing her actions as a breach of contract. His stammer and loss of composure briefly reveal his inner suffering.

V

Seeks legal counsel for a divorce from Anna, insisting his son must not remain with her. He is fastidious, principled, and visibly perturbed by the lawyer's gleeful and pragmatic approach to his personal tragedy.

Chapter VI

Reeling from a political defeat engineered by Stremov, he is cold, busy, and annoyed. He avoids social interaction, especially with his wife's family, and is focused on his investigative trip to salvage his position.

Chapter VII

Mentioned as a guest for the dinner. Stiva notes his coldness and infers trouble in his marriage to Anna, but he is still expected to attend.

Chapter VIII

Firmly resolved on divorce, he formally instructs his lawyer and coldly informs Oblonsky of his decision, though he is worn down into agreeing to dine with the Oblonskys.

Chapter IX

Attends out of duty, contributing coldly to the political debate. His presence initially chills the gathering.

The Dinner Debate

Argues for classical education's moral and 'anti-nihilist' influence, and expresses cautious, traditional views on women's roles, framing new duties as a question of fitness.

Chapter XII

Confronted by Dolly about Anna; reveals his profound misery, doubt, and hatred. He is resolute in seeking a divorce, rejecting all appeals for forgiveness.

XVII

Undergoes a profound emotional and spiritual crisis. Initially hopes for Anna's death to solve his problems, but upon seeing her, is flooded with a feeling of Christian love and forgiveness. He kneels and weeps, forgiving both Anna and Vronsky.

Vronsky's Despair

Vronsky's memory of him dominates the chapter. Vronsky now perceives him not as a ludicrous obstacle but as a kind, straightforward, and magnanimous figure, which deepens his own sense of shame.

Chapter XIX

Experiences a transformative spiritual peace from forgiveness but feels it threatened by societal pressure ('brute force') and the instability of his domestic life. He is tender with the baby Anna but vexed by his wife's distance and the servants' perceived sneers.

XX

Feels the impossibility of his social position and Anna's hatred. He is torn between his spiritual inclinations and the 'mysterious brutal force' of societal decrees, considering what concessions he might have to make.

Chapter XXI

Though not physically present, he is the central subject of the discussion. Anna's hatred is directed at his 'generosity' and virtues. Stiva and Betsy both frame him as the key to resolving the crisis through his actions.

XXII

Tormented by the idea of divorce. He views it as a religious and social impossibility that would lead to Anna's moral ruin and the loss of his son. Ultimately, he submits to the process out of a sense of sacrificial duty and meekness, feeling both shame and a bitter joy in his own generosity.

XXIII

His reported agreement to a divorce is the catalyst for Vronsky and Anna's reunion. He is left alone with Seryozha in Petersburg at the chapter's end.

VIII

His unhappiness is a memory Anna tries to avoid, likening it to a drowning man she had to shake off to survive.

Chapter XXI

Shattered by Anna's departure; grapples with profound isolation, societal shame, and the realization he has no intimate friendships. His past as an orphan and his rule-based approach to life are explored.

Chapter XXII

Crushed and humiliated by his public situation and domestic chaos. He accepts Lidia Ivanovna's spiritual and practical help, finding a necessary, though somewhat hollow, sense of salvation in her mystical Christian doctrine.

XXIII

The object of Lidia's intense devotion and protection. Lidia writes to him urgently to discuss the 'grave and painful subject' of Anna's letter and her presence in town.

XXIV

Oblivious to the end of his political career, he focuses on bureaucratic projects and his son's education. He reacts with stoic resignation to the news of Anna's return to Petersburg, finding his only solace in Countess Lidia Ivanovna.

Chapter XXV

Tortured by memories of his past actions regarding Anna's infidelity and his forgiveness. Seeks guidance from Lidia Ivanovna, showing irresolution and a need for external validation in his 'saintly' role, but is left spiritually unsettled.

Seryozha's Birthday Eve

Present through Seryozha's perspective. He has received the Alexander Nevsky order, a source of pride for the household. He is depicted as a distant, official figure who granted a favor to a petitioner.

Seryozha's Lesson

Conducts a stern Scripture lesson with Seryozha, emphasizing duty over reward. His interaction is formal and pedagogical, showing his inability to connect with his son's emotional needs. He is irritated by Seryozha's lack of focus.

The Closed Doors of Society

His name and presence haunt Vronsky in Petersburg, mentioned as an unavoidable and painful subject that turns up in every conversation, symbolizing the legal and social obstacle to Vronsky and Anna's union.

Anna's Desperate Reunion

A looming, unseen presence whose authority and the social structure he represents are the barriers Anna must circumvent to see her son. His 'magnanimity' is invoked by Anna as a potential, but absent, recourse.

Anna's Secret Visit to Seryozha

Enters the nursery at his usual time, meeting Anna as she leaves; bows his head silently.

Vronsky's Confession

Referenced as the legal and emotional obstacle. Vronsky states that Karenin had previously agreed to a divorce and would likely not refuse if Anna formally asked, but he views this requirement as a 'Pharisaical cruelty.'

Chapter XXIV

Referenced indirectly. Anna states he will not give her a divorce as he is under the influence of Countess Lidia Ivanovna. She considers him 'magnanimous' but would have to humiliate herself to write to him.

Part VII, Chapter 1

Though absent, he is the central figure in the unresolved legal and social conflict. Anna's decision to write to him about divorce marks a pivotal turn in the plot.

Levin's First Meeting with Anna

Mentioned as the husband with whom divorce negotiations are dragging on, primarily over their son.

Chapter XVII

Focused on his political report and economic principles, advocating for reforms based on rational economic laws rather than personal interest. He is skeptical of Stiva's desired high-salary position, seeing it as contrary to sound finance, but is ultimately asked to intervene.

XVIII

His demeanor hardens and grows pained at Anna's name. He initially claims the matter is settled, citing her refusal of his terms regarding their son. Under pressure, he retreats to a position of needing to consider what is 'possible' under Christian law, revealing his internal conflict between past promises and religious scruples.

XIX

Briefly appears, informing Oblonsky that Seryozha is well and in school due to doctor's advice, and reiterating the rule never to speak of Anna to the boy.

Stepan Arkadyevitch in Petersburg

Mentioned as having deferred a decision on Anna's divorce and now being under the influence of Lidia Ivanovna and Landau.

Chapter XXI

Present as Lidia Ivanovna's devout companion. He participates earnestly in the theological discussion, correcting interpretations of scripture and supporting her views.

XXII

Present at Lidia Ivanovna's, participating in the strange ritual. He obeys Lidia Ivanovna's instruction to take Landau's hand during the trance.

XXIII

Mentioned indirectly as the cause of the 'agonizing condition of suspense' and the delay in divorce, which Anna blames on Vronsky.

The Quarrel and the Despair

Mentioned in Anna's thoughts as part of the shame and disgrace that her death would resolve.

Anna's Desperate Visit

Referenced indirectly as the source of indecision in Stiva's negotiations; his unwillingness to give a clear answer prolongs Anna's uncertain state.

Anna's Final Journey

Recalled with visceral loathing by Anna as she imagines the impossibility of a divorced life. She vividly pictures his physical traits and the false 'love' of their past.

IV

Mentioned as having taken Anna's daughter and attending the funeral; his situation is contrasted with Vronsky's.