# Darya Alexandrovna Oblonskaya — Anna Karenina character guide > Darya Alexandrovna Oblonskaya in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Dolly, Darya Alexandrovna, Darya **First appearance:** 0000-part-i-i ## Snapshot Stiva's betrayed wife and Kitty's elder sister, Dolly holds a fracturing household together while quietly arranging the romantic fates of everyone around her. ## Who they are Dolly lives at the center of Moscow's Oblonsky household, managing children, debts, and a husband whose affairs she has learned to absorb. Her letter urging Levin to bring a sidesaddle to Kitty shows how instinctively she brokers other people's happiness, even when her own marriage is the cautionary tale. That mix of generosity and exhaustion makes her the novel's moral witness: she sees what the men around her refuse to, and she keeps choosing the family anyway. ## Relationships ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A close, sisterly bond where Dolly sympathizes with Anna's plight but ultimately judges her choices. ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A warm, trusting friendship based on mutual respect and shared rural family values. ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A close, sisterly bond where Dolly sympathizes with Anna's plight but ultimately judges her choices. ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A close, sisterly bond where Dolly sympathizes with Anna's plight but ultimately judges her choices. ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A warm, trusting friendship based on mutual respect and shared rural family values. ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A warm, trusting friendship based on mutual respect and shared rural family values. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-i) Has locked herself in her room for three days after discovering Stiva's affair. She was described as sitting with the revealing letter, looking at him with horror, despair, and indignation before rushing out after his smile. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Though not physically present, her distress drives the chapter's conflict. She sends a message via Matvey that she is leaving, indicating the severity of the breach. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Absent but powerfully present; her sleepless night and distress are reported by Tanya and weigh on Oblonsky's conscience. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Devastated by Stiva's infidelity, she is physically worn down and emotionally torn between leaving him and the practical needs of her children. Her love and hatred for him war within her. ### [Levin's Past and Present: The Shtcherbatsky Household and His Love for Kitty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Mentioned as the eldest Shtcherbatsky sister whom Levin was 'all but in love with' before her marriage to Oblonsky removed her from consideration. ### [Levin Confides in Oblonsky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-x) Mentioned as having a 'gift of foreseeing things' and being 'on your side,' predicting Kitty will marry Levin. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Mentioned as the Princess's eldest daughter, Dolly, whose marital unhappiness is a source of pain but is currently overshadowed by the anxiety over Kitty's fate. ### [Anna and Dolly: A Conversation on Infidelity and Forgiveness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xix) In deep distress over Stiva's affair. She feels her youth, beauty, and life's work have been stolen. She vacillates between anger, hatred, and a painful attachment to her past love. She is teaching Grisha, which has become a torture, and is knitting nervously. ### [Anna at the Oblonskys'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Addresses Stiva familiarly again, signaling a thaw in their relations after Anna's intervention. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Hosts the tea, her tone to Stiva is mockingly affectionate, indicating a reconciliation, though she remains composed and practical. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Intently observes Anna's emotional state; acts as a confidante for Anna's confession; reassures Anna of her love and understanding. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) Anna mentions the pity she felt for Dolly during her recounting of the Moscow trip. Anna is also writing a letter to Dolly at the end of the chapter, maintaining their connection. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Visits despite her own troubles (sick child, new baby). Reveals the humiliating state of her reconciled marriage with Stiva, marked by his absence, lack of money, and her suppressed suspicions of infidelity. Takes on a motherly, active role to console Kitty. ### [Kitty's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Visits Kitty to comfort her; is wounded by Kitty's cruel reference to her own marital humiliation but ultimately forgives her; provides the sympathetic ear Kitty needs. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-vi) Mentioned as being alone at Ergushovo with things 'going wrong,' prompting Levin's planned visit. ### [Dolly's Country Struggles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-vii) Struggles with the dire state of the country estate, initially despairing but finding purpose and 'gold' in the cares and joys of her six children. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-viii) Finds deep satisfaction and identity in motherhood. She carefully prepares for the children's sacrament, takes pride in their appearance, and enjoys the simple pleasures of the family outing. Her conversation with the peasant women highlights her focus on domestic life and children. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-ix) Glad to see Levin, appreciates his perception and delicacy. She is content with her domestic arrangements thanks to Marya Philimonovna and is more interested in discussing Kitty than Levin's farming theories. ### [Levin's Pride and Dolly's Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-x) Attempts to mediate between Levin and Kitty's past, explaining a woman's perspective in courtship. Her pride in her children is shattered by a brutal fight between Grisha and Tanya. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-xxiv) Her well-intentioned invitation and request for a sidesaddle for Kitty inadvertently pressure Levin, making him feel Kitty's position is humiliating and forcing a confrontation with his feelings he wishes to avoid. ### [Levin's Agricultural Experiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-xxix) Mentioned indirectly; Levin feels shame for his rudeness in not answering her letter, burning his bridges with the Oblonskys. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-vi) Kindly smiles and waves to Karenin, asking after Anna and inviting him to dinner. Her warm domesticity contrasts sharply with Karenin's withdrawn state. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-ix) Anxious hostess, worried about the children and unable to mix the guests effectively before Stiva's arrival. ### [The Dinner Debate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-x) Breaks in exasperatedly to counter Stiva's point about unmarried women, insisting that family duties should come first, revealing her practical and morally traditional stance. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xi) Confirms Kitty's story about Turovtsin's help during her children's illness, offering a gentle smile of gratitude. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xii) Desperately defends Anna's innocence to Karenin. She shares her own story of forgiveness to plead for mercy, but fails to sway him. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xiii) Observes Levin and Kitty's intimate, wordless exchange and is comforted from her earlier depression. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xiv) Says goodbye to Levin with congratulations, expressing gladness that he has met Kitty again. Levin feels she cannot comprehend the loftiness of his feelings. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-i) Levin spends the evening after his confession at Dolly's with his betrothed, in high spirits. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-ii) Participates in the benediction and is deeply involved in the practical logistics of getting everyone to the wedding. ### [The Wedding Ceremony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-iv) Emotionally overcome, crying and laughing unnaturally as she watches the ceremony. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-v) Deeply moved to tears, rejoicing for Kitty and Levin while reminiscing about her own wedding and thinking of Anna's lost innocence. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xiv) Mentioned as a future guest whose visit Kitty eagerly anticipates to showcase her new housekeeping skills. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-i) Spending the summer at Pokrovskoe with her children, as her own house is in ruins. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-ii) Assists with the jam and participates in the conversation about matchmaking and past proposals, recalling her own with Stiva. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-vii) Speaks with mild irony to Stiva about staying up late. Expresses a definite wish to visit Anna, showing sympathy for her situation. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xiv) Arrives late, worried about her child Masha; suggests a mushroom-hunting expedition to change the subject. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xv) Confirms to Levin that Veslovsky's behavior was noticeable. Later, she lightens the mood by humorously recounting the incident of his departure. ### [Dolly's Journey to Vozdvizhenskoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xvi) Undertakes a journey to see Anna; experiences a profound crisis, reflecting on the hardships of her marriage, motherhood, and financial struggles, and envying the lives of others. ### [Dolly's Arrival at Vozdvizhenskoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xvii) Arrives at the estate feeling out of place; scrutinizes Anna's appearance and lifestyle with a mix of judgment and awe. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xviii) Visiting Anna, feels awkward and initially cool in her responses. Observes Anna's changed habits and luxurious life, internally conflicted about how to judge her friend's situation. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xix) Feels ashamed of her patched dressing jacket amidst the luxury of Anna's home. Observes the emotional distance between Anna and her baby, and the irregularity of the household. ### [A Visit to Vozdvizhenskoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xx) Visits Anna, feels uneasy in the new setting but is gradually won over by Vronsky's sincere passion for his hospital project. ### [Vronsky's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxi) Listens with dismay and sympathy to Vronsky's confession. She agrees to speak to Anna about the divorce, but his intensity frightens her and deepens her own doubts about Anna's professed happiness. ### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxii) Observes the tension between Anna and Vronsky, feels irritated by Vronsky's superior tone and the artificiality of the gathering. Longs to return to her maternal duties. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxiii) Acts as a listener and reluctant confidante; is horrified by Anna's revelation about preventing children and feels their fundamental worldviews are irreconcilable. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxiv) Listens with sympathy to Anna's suffering but feels a powerful pull back to her own home and children. After leaving, she feels relief and, despite the coachman's criticism of Vronsky's stinginess, she defends Anna and Vronsky, speaking sincerely of their touching qualities. ### [The Election Celebration and the Summons Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxxi) Mentioned as the recipient of Stiva's telegram; sighs over the wasted money, understanding it's a post-dinner indulgence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-i) One of the family members who is impatient and uneasy about Kitty's overdue confinement, showing care and attention. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-ii) Mentioned as being in an 'utterly impossible' financial position, in debt and without money, prompting Kitty and her family to plan an intervention. ### [Levin Visits Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-x) Mentioned as having visited Anna recently and being indignant about Grisha's Latin teacher. Anna asks Levin to convey a poignant message to her. ### [The Agony of Waiting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xiv) Present to support the family, tries to get Levin to eat and leads him out of the room. ### [The Birth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xv) Tries to reassure Levin during the labor, telling him 'it's nothing, it's all right.' ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xvii) Mentioned as having refused to sign over her property rights to the remaining third of the forest, contributing to Stiva's financial crisis and forcing him to seek new income. ### [The Quarrel and the Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxiv) Considered by Anna as a potential refuge after the quarrel, indicating Dolly remains a touchstone in her life. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxvii) Anna's intended destination, as she seeks refuge from her own mind and home. ### [Anna's Desperate Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxviii) Attempts to mediate between Anna and Kitty, feeling awkward and concerned by Anna's strangely irritable and piteous condition. She shares news of Stiva's correspondence about Karenin. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxix) Anna believes Dolly would secretly delight in her misery, envying her past happiness. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-vii) Mentioned as being in despair over Stepan's debts; she and her children are under Levin's guardianship. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xiii) Mentioned in Levin's memory as the frustrated mother trying to explain practical consequences to her mischievous children, which sparks Levin's central analogy. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xiv) Informs Levin that Kitty took Mitya to the woods and that the party is heading to the bee-house. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xv) Hosts the gathering, interjects briefly in the debate, and is primarily occupied with doling out food to the children and swatting away insects. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xvi) Makes a brief, wry comment that the editors in the prince's proposed advance-guard would only be in the way. ### [The Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xvii) Struggles to run home with the children ahead of the storm, showing her practical maternal role in the group. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/darya_alexandrovna_oblonskaya - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters