Memoirs of a Revolutionist · Character
Mikhail Bakunin
The colossal, burning anarchist whose moral presence, more than his arguments, inspired the Jura comrades and drew Kropotkin toward anarchism.
supporting
Also known as Bakúnin, X Bakúnin
First appearance: I
As a supporting figure in Memoirs of a Revolutionist, Mikhail Bakunin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Mentioned as an influence on Kropotkin's developing anarchist ideas.
Bakunin appears at Locarno and in the conversations of the Jura hills, a revolutionary who gave up everything for the cause and lived for it alone. What strikes Kropotkin is that his influence is felt less as intellectual authority than as moral personality — comrades speak of 'Michel' with love, not deference, and only once is his name invoked as an authority in itself. He matters because he crystallizes the anarchist alternative that Kropotkin will spend years thinking through, especially the fear of economic despotism.
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Character Web
17 connectionsA slice of how Mikhail Bakunin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Diverse Influences and Acquaintances
- Protagonist
- European Socialist and Anarchist Figures
- Imperial Court and Reformers
+12 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of hope and co…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Peter Kropotkin
friendship · positive
Bakunin was a leading anarchist thinker and mentor figure to Kropotkin, with mutual… How this plays out →
- Peter Kropotkin
friendship · positive
Bakunin was a leading anarchist thinker and mentor figure to Kropotkin, with mutual… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mikhail Bakunin in IIn the story
Mikhail Bakunin appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Part III: Siberia
- II
- Part IV: St. Petersburg; First Journey to Western Europe
- First Contact with the Jura Federation
- The Nature of Revolution and the Influence of Bakunin
- XIV
- I
- Part VI: Western Europe
- +4 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mikhail Bakunin unlock in the free preview.
See Mikhail Bakunin in I