# Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky — Anna Karenina character guide > Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Stiva, Prince Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky, Oblonsky, Prince Oblonsky **First appearance:** 0000-part-i-i ## Snapshot Anna's charming, chronically unfaithful brother, whose domestic scandal opens the book and whose easy manners keep half of Moscow returning his calls. ## Who they are Stiva has just been caught with the governess, and his wife Dolly has locked herself in her room, but he still greets each day with the same genial appetite for dinners, positions, and pretty women. He is genuinely fond of everyone and genuinely incapable of taking anything seriously, including his own debts and his sister's marriage. His talent for being liked is what stitches the novel's two worlds together, moving between Petersburg offices and Moscow households without ever quite noticing the damage he leaves behind. ## Relationships ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A long-standing, affectionate friendship despite their contrasting worldviews and lifestyles. ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A loving, supportive sibling relationship where Stiva is Anna's most loyal familial ally. ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A long-standing, affectionate friendship despite their contrasting worldviews and lifestyles. ### [Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/konstantin_dmitrievitch_levin) _friendship_ A long-standing, affectionate friendship despite their contrasting worldviews and lifestyles. ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A loving, supportive sibling relationship where Stiva is Anna's most loyal familial ally. ### [Anna Arkadyevna Karenina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/anna_arkadyevna_karenina) _family_ A loving, supportive sibling relationship where Stiva is Anna's most loyal familial ally. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-i) Wakes up on his study sofa, recalling his dream and the painful details of his wife discovering his infidelity. He is haunted by his own involuntary, 'idiotic' smile during the confrontation. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Introspects on his affair, feels the weight of the domestic crisis but not true repentance. Pins hope for reconciliation on his sister Anna's arrival. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Attempts to maintain his normal, carefree routine but is haunted by his domestic crisis. His liberal views are shown to be a superficial habit that justifies his personal life. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Appears healthy and contrite, begging for forgiveness but also quickly returning to his lighthearted, practical self after the painful confrontation, showing his capacity for self-deception. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-v) At ease in his government role, which he attained through family connections. He is good-natured, tactful, and amused by Levin's intensity. Arranges a future meeting for Levin to potentially see Kitty. ### [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) Questions Levin about his purpose in town, prompting Levin's internal turmoil. His marriage to Dolly is noted as a past event that shifted Levin's attachments within the family. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Levin goes to his office to get news of the Shcherbatskys before setting off to find Kitty. ### [The Skating Rink](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Appears briefly at the end of the chapter to meet Levin. He is cheerful and preoccupied with planning a dinner menu, providing a contrast to Levin's intense emotional state. ### [Levin Confides in Oblonsky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-x) Acts as a confidant and encourager for Levin. Reveals Dolly's prediction about Kitty and Levin's marriage, showing his supportive, worldly nature. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Reveals Vronsky as a rival to Levin and seeks advice on his own affair. He argues for the complexity and tragedy of human desire, defending his actions with weary pragmatism and a quote from Heine. ### [Vronsky's Background and Reflections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Mentioned as someone Vronsky might encounter at the Château des Fleurs, representing the frivolous society life Vronsky is momentarily weary of. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Awaiting his sister Anna's arrival. He acts as a social conduit, teasing Vronsky about being in love and revealing Levin's failed proposal to Kitty, showing his shifting sympathies. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Greets his sister Anna at the station. Visibly upset by the accident and praises Vronsky's charity. Drives home with Anna. ### [Anna and Dolly: A Conversation on Infidelity and Forgiveness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Not physically present, but the central subject of the conversation. Described by Anna as remorseful, humiliated, and fearful that Dolly will never forgive him. Dolly depicts him as selfish, having taken her youth and now preferring a 'vulgar creature.' ### [Anna at the Oblonskys'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Dines at home at Anna's request. The atmosphere with Dolly improves, hinting at possible reconciliation after his affair. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Emerges cheerful after reconciling with Dolly, tries to be helpful, and later explains Vronsky's visit as being about a dinner party. ### [The Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Seen among the cream of society in the ballroom, indicating his entrenched position in high social circles. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Arrives late to see Anna off, rosy and good-humored, smelling of wine and cigars. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) Mentioned briefly during dinner. Karenin asks after him 'with a sarcastic smile,' indicating his disapproval of Stiva's behavior and the Moscow scandal, which contrasts with his own ordered world. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Absent but a constant source of Dolly's anxiety. His infidelity and neglect are discussed as breaking down their family harmony again, leaving Dolly in a state of humiliating deception. ### [Kitty's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Briefly mentioned as having become 'insufferably repulsive' to Kitty in her current state, associated with her 'grossest and most hideous conceptions'. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Visits Levin on a mix of business and pleasure. Radiant and charming, he defends his philosophy of love and pleasure, comparing it to enjoying 'new rolls' beyond one's necessary 'bread.' ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Participates in the hunt with Levin. He is the one who reveals the troubling news about Kitty's health and her being sent abroad. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Finalizes the sale of his forest to Ryabinin, dismissing Levin's warnings. His good-humored, trusting nature in business contrasts with Levin's suspicion, showing his financial imprudence and detachment from his estate's true value. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) In excellent spirits after the profitable forest sale and good shooting. He tries, with good-natured humor, to dissipate Levin's ill-humor, joking with Agafea Mihalovna and attempting to give Levin advice about Kitty and Vronsky. He is the pragmatic foil to Levin's ideological fervor. ### [Vronsky's Morning at the Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Mentioned indirectly as 'your brother' who visited Vronsky's hut earlier, leaving a note. ### [The Races](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Appears in his usual brilliant social form, greeting Vronsky and arranging to meet him later, connecting the Moscow and Petersburg social worlds. ### [The Races](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) His voice is heard from below the pavilion, asking Betsy for a bet on the race, showing his continued presence in the social scene. ### [The Fall at the Races](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix) Present at the races; Anna calls out to him in her distress, but he does not hear her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-vi) Appears via a letter from Petersburg, requesting Levin's help for Dolly, who is struggling alone at Ergushovo. ### [Dolly's Country Struggles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-vii) In Petersburg on official duty, spending freely. Proudly but inadequately prepared the country house, valuing his bachelor freedom over family needs. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-ix) Mentioned as the one who wrote to Levin about Dolly's situation, foisting his domestic duties on others—a habit that mildly annoys both Dolly and Levin. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-vi) Radiant and cheerful, he enthusiastically greets Karenin on the street and insists he come to dinner with Dolly, showcasing his sociable and oblivious nature in contrast to Karenin's frostiness. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-vii) In high spirits planning a dinner party; visits his mistress, runs errands, and meets with Levin. He is concerned but optimistic about the tension between Anna and Karenin. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-viii) Shocked and distressed by Karenin's announcement, he attempts to mediate, pleading for delay and urging Karenin to speak with Dolly, using persistent geniality to secure a dinner invitation. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-ix) The harried but adept host, arriving late and expertly reviving the stagnant party by introducing guests and sparking conversation. ### [The Dinner Debate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-x) Hosts the dinner, steers the conversation, and supports Pestsov's progressive arguments, specifically thinking of an unmarried woman (Masha Tchibisova) to illustrate a point. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xi) Implied to be hosting the dinner where the general conversation takes place, though not directly quoted in these excerpts. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xii) Attempts to steer conversation away from sensitive topics at dinner, aware of his brother-in-law's 'sore spot'. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xiii) Present at the dinner and in the drawing-room, though not directly active in the excerpt's key scene. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xiv) Briefly interacts with Levin before going out. He understands Levin's happiness and emotionally presses his hand, asking if it's not time to die yet. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xvii) Mentioned in Karenin's memory of the dinner conversation where his situation was discussed, influencing Karenin's initial hardened attitude. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xxi) Acts as a mediator, visiting Anna with the dual purpose of managing her crisis and thanking officials for his new court title. He employs his 'almond-oil' charm to soothe her despair and pragmatically argues for divorce as the only viable solution to her misery. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xxii) Acts as the intermediary, proposing divorce as the simple, rational solution. He is initially uncharacteristically timid but gains confidence, using a 'winning' manner to sway Karenin. He is touched by the outcome but also self-satisfied, already thinking of how to turn the success into a clever riddle. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iv-xxiii) Reportedly the source of the 'positive fact' about Karenin agreeing to a divorce, communicated through Betsy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-i) Mentioned in Levin's memory as having advised him to see the priest, comparing the experience to a painless tooth extraction. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-ii) Performs the benediction ceremony for Levin with a kindly, ironical smile and helps manage the complex carriage arrangements. ### [The Wedding Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-iii) Attempts to calm Levin with his characteristic serene and soothing manner, offering his own shirt and assuring him 'it will come round.' ### [The Wedding Ceremony](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-iv) Acts as best man, makes light jokes (e.g., about candles), but becomes serious, sensing the solemnity of the couple's mood. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-v) Makes a joke about divorce to Dolly, who doesn't hear him. His radiant figure prompts Dolly's memories. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xxiv) Not directly present, but the gossip about Karenin's stalled career and his wife's affair echoes the scandal that began with Oblonsky's own domestic crisis. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-vi) Arrives full of high spirits with Veslovsky, bringing a dog and presents. His affectionate, demonstrative manner with Dolly is observed cynically by Levin. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-vii) In a charming, sentimental mood after wine. Encourages socializing and singing, inadvertently exacerbating the tense atmosphere. ### [The Shooting Party Departs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-viii) Appears in shabby but high-quality hunting clothes, the picture of a carefree Russian nobleman sportsman. He is similarly focused and not talkative as they approach the hunting grounds. ### [The Shooting Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-ix) Participates in the shooting; acts as an experienced sportsman, detecting the first marsh. ### [The Marsh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-x) Shoots successfully from the other side of the marsh, his good humor contrasting with Levin's frustration. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xi) Defends the wealth of capitalists as legitimate work, arguing a man must have independent, 'manly' interests. He teases Levin about his strict domestic principles and willingly goes with Veslovsky for nighttime fun. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xiii) Envious of Levin's hunting success; laughs at Veslovsky's appetite. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xiv) Notices Levin's agitation and makes a playful comment about it; has been commissioned to look at a flat in Moscow. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xv) Finds Levin's action ridiculous and tries to reason with him, representing the worldly social view that such flirtations are harmless. ### [Dolly's Journey to Vozdvizhenskoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xvi) Mentioned as a husband Dolly loves but does not fully respect, and as someone she cannot rely on for support. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxv) Mentioned as one of the landowners with estates in the Kashinsky province where the elections are being held. ### [The Election of the Marshal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxvii) Explains the tactical reasoning behind asking Marshal Snetkov to stand, demonstrating his political savvy. ### [The Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxviii) Mentioned as looking for Levin to bring him to vote on the legal point. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxix) Seen walking by in his court uniform, pointed out as an example of the high-ranking attendees. ### [The Provincial Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxx) Present at the election, acting as a social lubricant between Levin and Vronsky. He compares the political race to a betting event. ### [The Election Celebration and the Summons Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-xxxi) In high spirits at the dinner, sends a frivolous, expensive telegram to Dolly to share in the celebration. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-ii) Implicitly the cause of Dolly's financial distress; Levin is to be sent to talk to him about the situation. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-iv) Mentioned at the end as the subject of a commission from Kitty that Levin is to discuss. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-vi) Makes a brief appearance at the public meeting, having just come from the races, highlighting his immersion in society's leisure activities. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-vii) Hosts Levin at the club, arrives late, and contributes to the jovial mood with anecdotes and orders for more wine. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-viii) Emotional and insistent on fostering friendship between Levin and Vronsky; plans to take Levin to see Anna. ### [Levin's First Meeting with Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-ix) Insists on taking Levin to meet Anna, defends her character, and explains the stalled divorce proceedings and her isolated, dignified life in Moscow. ### [Levin Visits Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-x) Accompanies Levin to Anna's. He smokes and participates in the conversation. Anna asks to speak with him privately at the end. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xi) Accompanies Levin after the visit, pleased that Levin has been won over by Anna. He is the one who urged Levin to visit her in the first place. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xii) Mentioned as a messenger; he conveyed Vronsky's excuse about Yashvin and reported he could not approach Karenin on Anna's behalf. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xvi) Present in the initial conversation, discussing yesterday's dinner at the club. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xvii) Desperately seeking a new, well-paid government appointment to solve his financial troubles. Feels humiliation and discomfort waiting for the Jewish financier Volgarinov, conflicted about his family's traditional service role. He manipulates the conversation with Karenin to ask for a favor. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xviii) Acts as Anna's emissary, pleading with Karenin for a divorce. He uses emotional appeals, flattery, and physical gestures (touching his knee, hand) to try to soften Karenin, arguing that Anna's suffering is unbearable and benefits no one. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xix) Fulfills Anna's request to see Seryozha. Observes the boy's changed demeanor and cautiously probes his memory of his mother, causing the boy distress. ### [Stepan Arkadyevitch in Petersburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xx) Seeks a new appointment and feels revitalized by Petersburg's permissive social codes; learns from Princess Myakaya that Karenin consults Landau about Anna's divorce. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxi) Visits Lidia Ivanovna with political hopes, but is disconcerted by the intense religious discussion. He cautiously navigates the conversation, feeling hypocritical and out of his element. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxii) Disoriented and bored during the mystical séance at Lidia Ivanovna's; feels a 'peculiar heaviness' and is ultimately expelled by Landau's pronouncement. Flees to familiar social haunts to recover his spirits. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxv) His telegram, reporting little hope but promises to keep trying for the divorce, is the catalyst for the chapter's central conflict, highlighting the ongoing legal and social stalemate. ### [Anna's Desperate Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-xxviii) Mentioned in a letter to Dolly; he is in Petersburg attempting to negotiate with Karenin on Anna's behalf but cannot get a decisive answer. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-ii) Appears cheerfully in the crowd, discussing the volunteer send-off dinner, making a donation, and later walking with Vronsky onto the platform. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-vii) Mentioned as having written a penitent letter to Dolly, begging her to sell her estate to pay his debts. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-viii-xvi) Mentioned by the prince as an example of someone holding a lucrative but possibly useless government post, illustrating the theme of hypocrisy and self-interest. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/stepan_arkadyevitch_oblonsky - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters