# The Russian — Heart of Darkness character guide

> The Russian in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-iii

## Snapshot

A young, enthusiastic sailor in a patchwork coat who lives in the jungle, worships Kurtz, and cannot bring himself to leave the man he knows is terrible.

## Who they are

The Russian speaks of Kurtz with mingled eagerness and reluctance, his life filled and his emotions swayed by a man who once wanted to shoot him for a small lot of ivory. He gave up the ivory without a care but refused to clear out, begging Kurtz to leave while there was time, only to watch him say yes and then go off on another hunt. His devotion, offered without judgment, gives Marlow the first intimate portrait of Kurtz and makes the ruined house on the hill feel inhabited by something more than rumor.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/chapters/i)

A first-class agent, young and gentlemanly, who speaks with Marlow about Kurtz and the station's intrigues.

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

Mentioned as the 'miserable trader' and 'intruder' by the manager; Marlow notes he must be English.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/chapters/iii)

The Russian trader who warns Marlow about the danger and helps with Kurtz's care.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters/the_russian
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heart_of_darkness_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heart_of_darkness_se/characters