The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories · Character

The Old Devil

A personification of evil who tempts characters in parables like 'The Imp and the Crust'.

minor

Also known as the Devil, Devil

First appearance: The Imp and the Crust

The Old Devil shows up with force in Two Hussars. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Mentioned in the Count's exclamation ('devil take them') about the lack of rooms, reflecting his frustrated mood.

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In Two Hussars: Mentioned in the Count's exclamation ('devil take them') about the lack of rooms, reflecting his frustrated mood. Later, in A Spark Neglected Burns the House: Referenced metaphorically as the 'fiend'…

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See The Old Devil in The Imp and the Crust

Character Web

35 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Moral Seekers and Tempters
Peasants and Masters
Artists and Patrons

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak is Esarhaddon's shocking, direct confrontation with the truth that he and his victim are on…

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In the story

The Old Devil appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Two Hussars
Mentioned in the Count's exclamation ('devil take them') about the lack of rooms, reflecting his frustrated mood.
A Spark Neglected Burns the House
Referenced metaphorically as the 'fiend' that carries Iván off to lawsuits, representing the destructive pride and malice driving the conflict.
The Story of Iván the Fool
Disguises himself as a general to ruin Simon with endless war, then as a merchant to ruin Tarás with greed. Finally, as a fine gentleman, he tries to introduce money to Iván's kingdom but fails utterly.
Evil Allures, but Good Endures
The instigator of the conflict, vexed by the slaves' praise of their master, who tempts Aleb and watches from a tree, only to be defeated when the master shows forgiveness.
The Imp and the Crust
The imp's master who chastises him for initial failure and later praises his successful scheme to corrupt the peasant through the pleasure of drink derived from surplus.
How Much Land Does a Man Need?
Overhears Pahóm's boast and resolves to tempt him with land to gain power over his soul, setting the tragic plot in motion.
The Empty Drum
Likely referenced allegorically as the source of the King's corrupt desires and the manipulative servants, driving the conflict against the virtuous couple.
The Overthrow of Hell and Its Restoration
Appears as Beelzebub, the father and ruler of all devils, who is initially defeated and bound by Jesus's sacrifice and final words of forgiveness, but later freed when Hell is restored through the corruption of his teaching.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Old Devil in The Imp and the Crust

See The Old Devil in Two Hussars