My Disillusionment in Russia · Character

Zinoviev

Bolshevik leader and chairman of the Petrograd Soviet, encountered by the narrator.

minor

Also known as Chairman Zinoviev

First appearance: viii the first of may in petrograd

Zinoviev's tie to Unknown Narrator is one of the pressures that moves My Disillusionment in Russia—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Head of the Department of the Third International at Smolny, observed by Goldman.

In the storyI: Deportation to RussiaOpen this moment free

Zinoviev first appears in 0010 viii the first of may in petrograd.

With Unknown Narrator (rivalry): Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator. With Unknown Narrator (rivalry): Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator. With Unknown Narrator (rivalry): Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator.

See Zinoviev in I: Deportation to Russia Book page

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Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Zinoviev sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Close Anarchist Associates
Protagonist
American Journalist Companions
Diplomatic and Propaganda Contacts
Military and Political Opponents
Diverse Acquaintances and Witnesses

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the narrator confronts the full, brutal reality of Russia’s col…

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Relationships

Unknown Narrator
rivalry · negative
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
rivalry · negative
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
rivalry · negative
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering… How this plays out →

Unknown Narrator
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator.
Unknown Narrator
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator.
Unknown Narrator
Zinoviev is a Bolshevik leader whose authoritarian tactics and political maneuvering create deep antagonism with the narrator.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Zinoviev in viii the first of may in petrograd

In the story

Zinoviev appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Deportation to Russia
Head of the Department of the Third International at Smolny, observed by Goldman.
II: Petrograd
Presides over the Petro-Soviet meeting; appears tired and lacking depth to the narrator.
III: Disturbing Thoughts
Zinoviev is mentioned indirectly through his servant's request for vinegar, sparking outrage among working women over inequality.
VII: Rest Homes for Workers
Mentioned as an influential Communist whom displaced intellectuals might appeal to for help.
Industrial Militarization
Rumors circulate that Zinoviev and his staff were driven from factories by workers while explaining new policies.
XII: Beneath the Surface
Zinoviev is among the Communists the narrator had known who are now implicated in treachery and horrors.
Another Visit to Peter Kropotkin
Mentioned in contrast to Kropotkin's simple quarters, as having 'gorgeous quarters'.
XIX: In Kharkov
His signature on credentials is noted; his earlier remark about centralized control is recalled.
XXIII: Returning to Moscow
Mentioned in a rumor that he was ducked in 'Sovietsky soup' by factory workers.
XXV: Archangel and Return
Leads a faction in the trade union debate; his influence in Petrograd requires Trotsky to struggle for permission to speak.
XXVII: Kronstadt
Chairs the Petrograd Soviet meeting, dismisses the Kozlovsky story, and pushes through the resolution demanding Kronstadt's surrender.
XXIX: Travelling Salesmen of the Revolution
Delegates became echoes of Zinoviev and other leaders at the Congress.
Afterword
Mentioned as canonizing Dzerzhinsky, the head of the Cheka, as the 'saint of the Revolution,' illustrating the perversion of ethical values.
IV
Mentioned as having canonized Dzerzhinsky, the head of the Cheka, as the 'saint of the Revolution,' illustrating the perversion of ethical values.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Zinoviev unlock in the free preview.

See Zinoviev in viii the first of may in petrograd

See Zinoviev in I: Deportation to Russia