Who is Arkady Kirsanov?

Arkady Nikolayevitch Kirsanov is Nikolai’s son, recently graduated, who admires Bazarov and brings him to Maryino. He announces nihilism, then gradually chooses his father’s path — land, marriage to Katya Odintsov, domestic peace. Arkady is not weak; he is convertible, learning where Bazarov cannot bend.

He mediates between father and uncle, survives the duel’s aftermath, and leaves hero-worship behind. Turgenev uses Arkady to show a generation that hears radical talk yet settles into constructive change. Pair him with Bazarov at entry and exit to see the novel’s symmetrical growth.