# Magda Nikolaevna Bursànova — Futility character guide

> Magda Nikolaevna Bursànova in Futility by William Gerhardie.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Magda Nikolaevna, Magda, Nikolaevna

**First appearance:** 0005-i

## Who they are

A member of the Bursanov family with a limited role.

## In the story

### [Part I: The Three Sisters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/part-i-the-three-sisters)

Another sister, part of the trio whose dynamics are introduced.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/viii)

Found weeping on the landing; confides in the narrator about her desire for a divorce, her plans to marry Cecedek, and her resentment at being excluded from her own home.

### [The Narrator's First Intervention](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned in the narrator's plan: she must be allowed to divorce and marry Cecedek.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/xi)

Sends Cecedek to reprimand Fanny Ivanovna, accuses her of hampering her daughters' happiness, and is suspected of wanting to marry Cecedek.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/ii)

Nikolai Vasilievich's wife, currently with Cecedek; her divorce is suspended, and she remains a financial drain.

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

Her relations with Fanny Ivanovna are far from satisfactory.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/viii)

Seated next to Fanny Ivanovna; proposes starting a millinery establishment together.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/chapters/v)

Referred to as 'Mama' who plans to start a hat business in Shanghai.

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

Stays behind to follow her daughters by rail; tells the narrator tales of Nina's childhood.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/characters/magda_bursanova
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/futility_se/characters