Nina Bursànova

Futility

The object of the narrator's affection, representing love and illusion.

Part I: The Three Sisters

One of the three sisters, central to the chapter's focus on family and illusion.

I

The narrator thinks of Nina, one of the three sisters who departed for Shanghai.

II

One of the three sisters, aged fifteen, with steel-grey eyes and a charming, disquieting sidelong look; she clings to the narrator's arm on the walk home.

III

Reveals her sadness over her father's quarrels with Fanny Ivanovna, announces she is leaving for Moscow to see her mother, and shares the secret that the trip is partly to take Vera back.

IV

Agrees to marry the narrator but departs with the sisters for Moscow.

VII

Acts as intermediary between Fanny and Mama, confronts Eisenstein about his speculation with her mother's money, and leaves the room in frustration.

VIII

Leads the sisters in pleading with Fanny to see their mother, then threatens to never speak to Fanny again when refused.

IX

Present at the theatre in the box opposite the narrator's party.

The Narrator's First Intervention

Watches from the balcony; the narrator presents his reorganization plan to her, but she rejects it.

XI

Mentioned as the object of Baron Wunderhausen's unwanted romantic advances, which she rejects.

Part II: The Revolution

Nina departs for Moscow during the revolutionary turmoil, seeking a new life.

II

Mentioned among the three sisters waiting for developments; not directly active in this chapter.

III

One of the three sisters; appears watchful and wise, but overlooks the war and revolution.

IV

Sits silently on the sofa, listens to the conversation, and makes a playful comment about the narrator's mouth movements.

Part III: Intervening in Siberia

Her rejection of the narrator in Vladivostok marks a key personal event during the intervention.

I

Travels with the family; the narrator thinks of her before sleep.

II

Dances with the narrator, changes her hairstyle at his request, and shows playful affection during the evening.

III

Dances with the narrator and later with an American officer named Ward; whispers excitedly about Zina and Nikolai Vasilievich.

VII

Revealed to have visited her mother and later attended a dance on the American cruiser, lying to Fanny about her whereabouts.

VIII

Observes the narrator's changing facial expressions and participates in jazzing.

IX

Nina is playful and affectionate with the narrator on the day of the coup, but later admits she cannot talk to him, revealing a persistent emotional distance.

The Spring Dinner and the Waiting Game

The object of the flag-lieutenant's infatuation; the narrator recalls a quarrel and her vague attitude; she goes to a dance with American boys.

XII

Does not come to see the narrator off, solidifying his decision.

Part IV: Nina

Central figure of the chapter; her departure for Moscow and the narrator's idealized view of her are explored.

I

The object of the narrator's desire; he associates her with real life and authenticity, contrasting her with the artificiality around him.

II

Appears in the narrator's dream as he lies on deck, evoking a sense of longing and urgency.

III

Rejects the narrator's love during their walk in the park.

V

Nina grows tired of the narrator's pursuit, rejects his marriage proposal, and reveals the family's plan to move to Shanghai.

VI

One of the three sisters departing; leans on the rail with a sidelong look, intent on hearing her mother's stories about her childhood.