Nikolai Vasilievich

Fanny Ivanovna

Fanny is deeply infatuated with Nikolai, pursuing him with obsessive romantic interest.

Zina

Nikolai is romantically involved with Zina, though the relationship is strained by his other entanglements.

Andrei Andreiech

Andrei is a loyal friend and confidant to Nikolai, often supporting him through his troubles.

Sonia

Nikolai shares a tender but complicated romantic bond with Sonia, marked by mutual longing.

Kniaz

Kniaz is a jealous rival who frequently clashes with Nikolai over romantic interests.

Baron Wunderhausen

Baron Wunderhausen is a quirky but steadfast companion to Nikolai, sharing in his adventures.

The General

Nikolai serves under The General in a military or official capacity, with a formal superior-subordinate dynamic.

Stanitski

Stanitski is a reliable friend and ally to Nikolai, often aiding him in personal matters.

Admiral Kolchak

Admiral Kolchak is a superior officer to Nikolai, maintaining a formal and authoritative relationship.

Fanny Ivanovna

Fanny is deeply infatuated with Nikolai, pursuing him with obsessive romantic interest.

Fanny Ivanovna

Fanny is deeply infatuated with Nikolai, pursuing him with obsessive romantic interest.

Zina

Nikolai is romantically involved with Zina, though the relationship is strained by his other entanglements.

Futility

The narrator, grappling with feelings of futility and meaninglessness.

I

The narrator thinks of Nikolai Vasilievich and his unconventional family.

II

The father of the three sisters, who appears bored and sullen, and later becomes sad and reflective during the play.

III

Absent from the evening, but is the subject of the sisters' complaints; he constantly quarrels with Fanny Ivanovna and wants to marry again.

IV

Presents a pitiable sight at the station, pleading with Nina not to leave.

V

Fanny's long-term partner who now intends to marry a young girl, Zina, despite his promises to Fanny.

VI

The central figure whose supposed wealth from goldmines and a house is revealed to be a fiction; he pours money into the mines and supports many dependents.

VII

Present at home, retreats to his study when Eisenstein arrives, drawing a line at the visit.

IX

Seen on the Nevski with Zina, appearing rejuvenated and carefree, but still burdened by family affairs and guilt.

The Narrator's First Intervention

Present on the balcony laughing at the narrator's retreat; later assigned to marry Fanny Ivanovna in the narrator's scheme.

Part II: The Revolution

The narrator observes the revolution firsthand, describing the chaos in Petrograd and his involvement in the political events.

I

Mentioned as still keeping Zina's father employed, indicating his continued presence and influence.

II

Bitter about the revolution, which he sees as a further complication to his already disastrous finances and family entanglements.

III

Always absent, giving the impression of being busy, though his activity is questionable.

IV

Broods over financial ruin and the family's situation; confronts Stanitski with sadness; expresses a sense of futility and despair about the future.

Part III: Intervening in Siberia

The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on the intervention and his personal experiences.

I

Discusses the goldmine scheme and the family's chaotic journey; meets the narrator in Vladivostok.

II

Hosts the family, plays piano reluctantly, discusses the punitive expedition and his goldmines, and expresses weariness at the dance.

III

Engages in political debate with Uncle Kostia, dances awkwardly with Zina, and requests a coupé from Admiral Kolchak to travel to Omsk.

IV

Referenced in Fanny's monologue and as the breadwinner whose family seeks passage on the Admiral's train.

V

Seeks redress for his goldmines; loses patience and erupts at the General, then at the guards and a stray Admiral.

VI

His family's presence on the train is a temporary measure that becomes permanent; he is compelled to see generals about his goldmines.

VII

Mentioned as being absent and causing Fanny anxiety; he rushed in panic-stricken about the sisters during the coup.

VIII

Addressed as the parent and guardian of the group; announces Fanny Ivanovna's widowhood and sings in a timid baritone.

IX

Nikolai Vasilievich is optimistic about the new Social Revolutionary government, believing it will help his goldmine interests, and shows irritation at the narrator's lingering outside.

The Spring Dinner and the Waiting Game

Waits for political changes to recover his goldmines, builds enchanted castles on flimsy foundations, and is imprisoned by Social Revolutionary partisans.

Chapter XI

Hosts the gathering, reminisces about Petersburg and Zina.

XII

Unshaven, wearing blue spectacles, bowler hat, summer coat, and goloshes; he waits for what he thinks cannot be long now.

Part IV: Nina

The narrator, reflecting on his feelings for Nina and the nature of their relationship.

I

The narrator, reflecting on his post-war life at Oxford, his abandoned novel, and his obsession with Nina.

II

The narrator, traveling east and reflecting on his journey and dreams of Nina.

III

Mentioned as possibly at the office or with Zina.

V

The narrator experiences jealousy and isolation as the odd one out, attempts to impress Nina with intellectual talk, and is ultimately rejected.

VI

Appears older and more worn; stands at the window with hands in pockets when perturbed; left alone with Fanny Ivanovna after the sisters depart.