# Mademoiselle Varenka — Anna Karenina character guide

> Mademoiselle Varenka in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Varenka

**First appearance:** 0054-part-ii-xxi

## Who they are

The gentle, self-sacrificing companion of Madame Stahl, whom Kitty befriends at a German spa.

## In the story

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

Described as selfless, constantly busy caring for the sick, including Madame Stahl. Seen by Kitty as a 'fine flower' past its bloom, unattractive to men but possessing a dignified purpose.

### [Kitty's Admiration and the Princess's Inquiry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxi)

Intervenes to calm Levin during his argument with the doctor. She is revealed to have been raised by Madame Stahl. She meets Kitty and the princess with a gentle, truthful demeanor.

### [Varenka's Past and Kitty's Admiration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxii)

Reveals her past love story where the man obeyed his mother and married another; displays remarkable tranquility, humility, and a sense that there are 'more important' things in life than romantic disappointment.

### [Kitty's Spiritual Awakening and Doubt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii)

Serves as Kitty's model of Christian self-sacrifice and nobility, introducing her to charitable work and the story of Madame Stahl's life.

### [The Prince's Perspective](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiv)

Presented as 'angel number one,' she is natural and unshy with the prince, who likes her despite his general skepticism.

### [Kitty's Crisis of Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxv)

The target of Kitty's outburst; tries to soothe her and reveals the Petrovs' quarrel was partly about Kitty's presence. Accepts Kitty's apology.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-i)

Visiting Kitty; blushes when Sergey Ivanovitch asks to join the mushroom expedition, indicating her awareness of his attention.

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

Discussed as the ideal potential match for Sergey Ivanovitch, noted for her simplicity and restful nature.

### [A Walk and a Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-iii)

The subject of Kitty's hopes for a proposal from Sergey Ivanovitch. Levin observes that she is 'altogether spiritual,' which might make her compatible with his brother's nature.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-iv)

Appears attractive and excited, caring for the children while aware of the potential declaration from Sergey Ivanovitch. Her demeanor and qualities are the focal point of his reflections.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-v)

Anticipates Koznishev's proposal with joy and panic. Feels a mix of soreness, shame, and relief when the moment passes without him speaking his heart.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vi-vi)

Busies herself with household tasks like supper, maintaining a 'sainte nitouche' air that Levin finds hateful, knowing she is thinking of marriage.

## Links

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