# Marya Nikolaevna — Anna Karenina character guide

> Marya Nikolaevna in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Marya

**First appearance:** 0110-part-iv-x

## Who they are

The devoted but coarse common-law wife of Levin's dying brother, Nikolay.

## In the story

### [Levin Visits His Brother Nikolay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv)

Described as a pockmarked woman in a woolen gown. Nikolay introduces her as the 'partner of my life,' whom he took 'out of a bad house' but loves and respects, demanding others do the same.

### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxv)

Nikolay's companion for over a year. She quietly tends to him, reveals his drinking problem to Konstantin, and helps calm him and get him to bed, showing a patient, protective affection.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xii)

Writes to Levin to inform him of his brother Nikolay's worsening health.

### [The Crystallization of Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx)

Appears with Nikolay Levin; described as pockmarked and kind-looking, dressed tastelessly.

### [The Arrival of Nikolay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-xxxi)

Mentioned in passing; Nikolay states he has 'got rid of' her, calling her a 'horrid woman' who caused him 'annoyances,' likely related to her care during his illness.

### [A Letter and a Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xvi)

Her letter is the catalyst for the chapter's events. She writes that Nikolay is dying and has no money, having reconciled with him and moved to a provincial town before his illness.

### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xvii)

Nikolay's companion, flustered and ashamed upon meeting Levin and Kitty. She offers to leave but is instructed by Nikolay to tidy the room.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xviii)

Assists Kitty in caring for Nikolay, helping with changing his linen and other tasks.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xix)

Mentioned as not knowing how to manage the care of the dying Nikolay effectively.

### [The Agony of Nikolay Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xx)

Attends to Nikolay constantly, announcing his final moments and noting the physical signs of death, like his feet growing cold.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/marya_nikolaevna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters