Hadji Murád

Prince Vorontsóv

Hadji Murád defects to the Russians and becomes a temporary ally of Prince Vorontsóv, who sees him as a valuable asset but remains wary.

Shamil

Hadji Murád and Shamil are bitter enemies after Shamil has Hadji Murád's family held hostage, leading to a deadly personal feud.

Márya Dmítrievna

Márya Dmítrievna shows kindness and maternal warmth toward Hadji Murád, and he respects her as a trusted confidante.

Khan Mahomá

Khan Mahomá is Hadji Murád's loyal brother-in-arms and close relative, sharing a bond of blood and mutual protection.

Butler

Butler, a Russian officer, develops a respectful and curious friendship with Hadji Murád, fascinated by his character.

Eldár

Eldár serves as Hadji Murád's loyal and devoted attendant, following him faithfully through danger.

Sado

Sado is a loyal friend and host to Hadji Murád, sheltering him during his flight from Shamil.

Bata

Bata is a loyal follower and messenger for Hadji Murád, carrying out his orders with dedication.

Yusúf

Yusúf is Hadji Murád's young son, and their relationship is one of deep paternal love and concern for his safety.

Major Petróv

Major Petróv is a Russian officer who interacts with Hadji Murád in a formal, military capacity, with guarded respect.

Nazárov

Nazárov is a Russian interpreter and aide assigned to Hadji Murád, facilitating communication with the Russian command.

Khan Mahomá

Khan Mahomá is Hadji Murád's loyal brother-in-arms and close relative, sharing a bond of blood and mutual protection.

Hadji Murád

The central figure, a respected Avar leader who has defected from Shamil and seeks safety among the Russians.

I

Arrives as a fugitive at Sado's aoul, gives instructions to Bata and Sado, and shows caution and authority.

IV

Flees Sado's aoul after being warned of betrayal; dreams of capturing Shamil and ruling Chechnya with Russian help.

V

Surrenders to Prince Vorontsóv, declaring his wish to serve the Russian Tsar; described with a childlike kindly smile and penetrating eyes.

VI

Presents his dagger to Búlka, but remains deeply suspicious of the Russians, fearing betrayal or imprisonment.

Hadji Murád's Surrender and First Days Among the Russians

Formally surrenders to Vorontsóv, expresses desire to serve the Tsar and destroy Shamil, but silently distrusts the Russians; attends the opera and ball with stoic indifference; presses for help to free his family.

XI

Narrates his life story to Lóris-Mélikov, recounting his childhood, his mother's sacrifice, and the murder of the Khans by Hamzád and Shamil.

XII

Prays after showing Vorontsóv's repeater watch; his murids discuss loyalty to Shamil.

XIII

Narrates his past, including the killing of Hamzád, his escape from Akhmet Khan, and his current predicament with his family held by Shamil.

XIV

Described as anxious about his family, praying constantly, and pleading for help to ransom them; he expresses willingness to serve Russia if his family is saved.

Chapter XV

His surrender is discussed by Nicholas and his court as a sign of the impending end of the Caucasus war.

XVII

The aoul destroyed is the one where he spent the night before defecting to the Russians.

XVIII

Arrives at the fort, meets Butler and Petróv, and is lodged in the guest-chamber. He shows contempt for the Major but is attracted to Márya Dmítrievna and befriends Butler.

XIX

His family is held captive by Shamil; his son Yusúf is used as leverage.

XX

Departs after a week at the fort, narrowly survives an assassination attempt by Arslán Khan, and exchanges gifts with Márya Dmítrievna and the Major.

XXII

Frustrated and desperate, he moves to Nukhá to negotiate his family's release, treats the Russian official with contempt, and spends the night agonizing over his impossible situation.

XXIII

Decides to flee to the mountains and rescue his family; prepares his weapons and gives gold to Eldár; reflects on his mother and son.

XXIV

Hadji Murád is dead; his severed head is brought to the fort by Kámenev. Butler recognizes it with horror.

XXV

Wounded twice in the final battle, he makes a last charge with a dagger and is killed; his head is severed by Hadji Aga.

Endnotes

Referenced in the correction of a biographical error about Tolstoy meeting him in 1871.