Demons · Character

Marya Timofyevna Lebyadkin

A lame, half-mad woman who speaks in riddles and calls Stavrogin her husband, she unsettles every drawing room she enters.

supporting

Also known as Timofyevna, Lebyadkin, Marya, Marya Timofyevna Lebyadkin

First appearance: demons

As a supporting figure in Demons, Marya Timofyevna Lebyadkin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Described as lame, mad, and regularly beaten by her brother Lebyadkin.

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Marya Timofyevna drifts through the town as Captain Lebyadkin's invalid sister, prone to ecstatic outbursts and strange endearments. Her claim to a secret bond with Nikolay Stavrogin turns polite gatherings into scenes…

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Character Web

17 connections

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Core characters and antagonists

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it forces Stavrogin to confront the core crisis of his identity: his…

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In the story

Marya Timofyevna Lebyadkin appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
Described as lame, mad, and regularly beaten by her brother Lebyadkin.
V
Found in her filthy room, she is dreamy and gentle, speaks of her baby, her convent experiences, and a mysterious man who calls her 'little puss.'
VI
Referenced by Lebyadkin as 'she' and by Shatov as 'your sister,' her secret is hinted at but not revealed.
VII
Appears in church poorly dressed and painted, kneels weeping, and is taken home by Varvara Petrovna after being given a shawl.
V: The Subtle Serpent
Brought in as a mysterious figure; she is naive, ecstatic, and frightened by Varvara Petrovna's anger.
Chapter I
Appears as a naive, ecstatic cripple, calling Varvara Petrovna 'auntie' and revealing her acquaintance with Shatov.
III
Present as the focal point of the dispute, laughs and reacts enthusiastically, calling Darya Pavlovna 'sweet'.
V
Present in the room; fearful yet ecstatic when Stavrogin addresses her tenderly, and is led away by him after a stumble.
Chapter VI
Revealed as Stavrogin's lawful wife, the cause of Shatov's earlier blow.
II
Referenced as Stavrogin's secret wife; Stavrogin intends to make the marriage public and visit her.
III
Wakes from a dream, initially frightened, then grows defiant and accuses Stavrogin of being an impostor.
V: A Wanderer
Mentioned as having been visited by Shatov the night before the fire; her death is a key event weighing on Shatov's conscience.
Chapter I
Referenced as a victim whose death deeply affects Shatov, though she does not appear in the chapter.
Chapter II
Mentioned in conversation; Shatov confirms that her death was caused by the wickedness of certain people.
IV
Referred to as Marya Ignatyevna; in labor, she is fearful, irritable, and exacting, forbidding Shatov to look at her yet demanding his presence.

Chapter companion notes

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