# Anna Vassilyevna Stahova — On the Eve character guide > Anna Vassilyevna Stahova in On the Eve by Ivan Turgenev. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Anna Vassilyevna, Vassilyevna **First appearance:** 0001-ii ## Snapshot Elena's fragile, melancholy mother, a woman whose tenderness was crushed early and who now lives on sympathy and complaint. ## Who they are Anna Vassilyevna once studied music and read novels, then gave up each enthusiasm in turn until only sentimental brooding remained. Wounded by her husband's infidelities — even the grey horses he gave his mistress from her stable — she complains to everyone in the house, including Elena. Her neediness and genuine love make Elena's departure both a rebellion and a grief. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as Elena's mother, described as good-hearted but like a hen. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/ii) Appears in the doorway of the villa, wearing a lilac dress and holding a handkerchief to shield from the sun. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/iii) Described as a thin, emotional woman whose health was ruined by childbirth; she endures her husband's infidelity with silent complaint and has taken in her cousin Shubin. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/iv) Hosts the dinner, complains of a headache, and asks Zoya to play melancholy music, showing her sentimental nature. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/vi) Elena's mother is noted as having entrusted Elena's education to a governess and being shocked by Elena's singing a soldier's song. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/viii) Sits in her drawing-room on the verge of weeping, distressed by the conflict between her husband and Shubin; she calls for Shubin to apologize and later complains about her husband's infidelity. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/x) Anna Vassilyevna briefly enters the room, interrupting the conversation, and later lies down with a wet bandage on her head. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xii) Anna Vassilyevna joins the drawing-room and participates in the summer-villa conversation. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xv) Anna Vassilyevna organizes the excursion, enjoys the scenery, and is delighted by the outing despite initial difficulties. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xvi) Elena mentions that her mother likes Insarov, calling him an unassuming young man, but Elena feels she does not understand him. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xvii) Present during Insarov's visit; comments on Elena's pallor and dress, unaware of the emotional turmoil. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xix) Elena's mother, who is drowsy and eager to send everyone to bed; she later sighs and laments Insarov's departure. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxi) Elena feels guilty sitting with her mother, who suspects nothing. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxii) Receives Nikolai's announcement with agitation and secret delight; is informed of Kurnatovsky's visit and later tells Elena about her suitor. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxiii) Returns to Moscow early with the family, prompting Elena's move back to the city. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxiv) Welcomes Insarov cordially and inquires about his health. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxvi) Concerned about Elena's appearance, preoccupied with her own swollen face. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxix) Mentioned as being in bed with her face tied up; Nikolai goes to her and reduces her to tears. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxx) Devastated by Elena's marriage and impending departure, faints during the confrontation. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxxi) Nearly killed by the news of Elena's marriage; she negotiates with her husband to secure his consent, paying his debts and giving him money. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxxii) Anna Vassilyevna mourns Elena as if dead, meets Insarov secretly, and gives a tearful blessing despite her inner turmoil. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxxv) Mentioned in Elena's letter; she has aged and become more wretched after the loss of her daughter. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/characters/anna_vassilyevna - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_eve_se/characters