# Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova — Poor Folk character guide > Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova in Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Barbara Alexievna, Barbara, little Barbara, dear Barbara, Dearest Mistress Barbara Alexievna, My Dearest Little Barbara, Barbara Dobroselova **First appearance:** 0001-april-8th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch ## Snapshot A young orphan whose letters braid grief, gratitude, and quiet desperation as she navigates poverty, memory, and the dangerous kindness of a devoted clerk. ## Who they are Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova lives in a rented corner, sewing for pennies and corresponding with Makar, her only ally in a city that has already taken her family, her health, and nearly her hope. Her letters recount a childhood of loss and a present tense with obligation—she loves Makar's devotion but cannot return it as he wishes, and her pride bristles at being a burden. She matters because her voice counterpoints his: where he gushes, she measures; where he clings, she endures, and the novel's tragedy grows from that asymmetry. ## In the story ### [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of the letter; Makar observes her curtain signal and recalls their past intimacy. ### [April 8th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Writes a heartfelt letter to Makar, expressing concern for his well-being and her own melancholy. ### [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; he responds to her teasing and explains his feelings. ### [April 9th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-9th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar to soothe his feelings and express her gratitude, while also reporting her own illness. ### [April 12th: Dearest Mistress Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-12th-dearest-mistress-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of the letter; Makar urges her to take care of herself and expresses worry about her health. ### [April 25th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-25th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Barbara writes to Makar about her distressing meeting with her cousin Sasha and the cruel accusations made against her. ### [May 20th: My Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/may-20th-my-dearest-little-barbara) Recipient of the letter; convalescent, urged to eat and regain health. ### [June 1st: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-1st-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Author of the letter and manuscript, expressing her desire to please Makar and her current suffering from insomnia. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/i) Narrates her childhood memories, her father's death, and her family's move to St. Petersburg. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/ii) Narrator of the chapter; recalls her past with Pokrovski and his father, and her grief during Pokrovski's illness and death. ### [June 11th: How I Thank You for Our Walk to the Islands Yesterday, Makar Alexievitch!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-11th-how-i-thank-you-for-our-walk-to-the-islands-yesterday-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, describing her emotional state and gratitude for the walk. ### [June 12th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-12th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Addressee of the letter; Makar praises her beautiful writing and expresses his need for her. ### [June 20th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-20th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, urging him to buy a uniform and scolding him for overspending on gifts; refuses to continue her memoirs due to painful memories; rejects Anna Thedorovna's overtures. ### [June 21st: My Own, My Darling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-21st-my-own-my-darling) Recipient of Makar's letter; he refers to her as his little daughter and mentions her need for an embroidered cloak. ### [June 22nd: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-22nd-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Recipient of Makar's letter describing the tragedy. ### [June 25th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-25th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Returns the book to Makar, expresses disdain for it, and proposes sharing the cost of a better book. ### [June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-26th-my-dear-little-barbara) The recipient of Makar's letter; he sends her bonbons and promises a book, while cautioning her against unsuitable literature. ### [June 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, expressing anxiety about a governess position, loneliness, and declining health; recalls her mother and fears dying in a strange place. ### [June 28th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-28th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she is contemplating a journey and has sent Makar a book of Pushkin. ### [My Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dear-makar-alexievitch) Author of the letter; expresses her resolve to leave and her feelings of dependence and love. ### [July 1st: Rubbish, Rubbish, Barbara!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-1st-rubbish-rubbish-barbara) The recipient of Makar's letter; she has apparently suggested leaving, which Makar vehemently opposes. ### [My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, shares financial news, expresses concern over his spending, and plans a theatre outing. ### [July 7th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-7th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter, addressed as 'My dearest Barbara Alexievna'. ### [July 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she had sent him a book (likely Pushkin's 'The Station Overseer') which he now returns, feeling insulted and exposed by its content. ### [July 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes a letter to Makar expressing shock and reproach for his reckless spending and drunken behavior. ### [July 28th: My Priceless Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-my-priceless-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she has sent him ten roubles and agreed not to see him as faithless, and Makar values her respect as his greatest comfort. ### [July 28th: Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-dearest-little-barbara) Recipient of the letter; Makar addresses her accusations and expresses his devotion. ### [July 29th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-29th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, expressing concern for his well-being and urging him to visit. ### [August 1st: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-1st-my-darling-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; he thanks her for a chance to repay good and asks her not to blame him. ### [August 2nd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-2nd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, expressing cheerfulness and concern for his well-being. ### [August 3rd: My Angel, Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-3rd-my-angel-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; he seeks her advice and reassurance. ### [August 4th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Writes in distress, recounting the old man's visit and pleading for Makar's help to borrow money for a move. ### [August 4th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Barbara is the recipient of Makar's letter; he scolds her for proposing to work off her debt and urges her to flee from her persecutors. ### [August 5th: Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, sending money and urging him not to despair; expresses concern for his health and advises him to think of himself. ### [August 5th: My Darling Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-my-darling-little-barbara) Recipient of the letter; Makar reassures her and expresses his love and concern for her feelings. ### [August 11th: O Barbara Alexievna, I Am Undone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-11th-o-barbara-alexievna-i-am-undone) Makar believes she is also ruined by association with him, and her affairs have been exposed. ### [August 13th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-13th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar in distress, having burned her hand and unable to work. ### [August 14th: What Is the Matter with You, Makar Alexievitch?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-14th-what-is-the-matter-with-you-makar-alexievitch) Writes a heartfelt and desperate letter to Makar, expressing her anguish over his behavior and her fear for their future. ### [August 19th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-19th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Makar addresses her as his dearest, responding to her letter where she expressed distress and tears. ### [August 21st: My Dear and Kind Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-21st-my-dear-and-kind-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she had sent him money despite her own hardship. ### [September 3rd: The Reason Why I Did Not Finish My Last Letter, Makar Alexievitch, Was That I Found It So Difficult to Write](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-3rd-the-reason-why-i-did-not-finish-my-last-letter-makar-alexievitch-was-that-i-found-it-so-difficult-to-write) The author of the letter, who reflects on her childhood memories and expresses feelings of depression, illness, and a premonition of death. ### [September 5th: My Beloved Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-5th-my-beloved-barbara) Makar addresses her throughout the letter, reflecting on her misfortune and wishing she could enjoy a life of luxury. ### [September 9th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-9th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; he sends her forty-five rubles from the money given by his Excellency. ### [September 10th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-10th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, expressing joy at his good fortune and urging frugality. ### [September 11th: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-11th-my-darling-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of the letter; Makar implores her not to leave him and expresses concern for her welfare. ### [September 15th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-15th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes in distress about Bwikov's return and his visit to her rooms. ### [September 19th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-19th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Recipient of Makar's letter; he shares his hope for extra income. ### [September 23rd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar, describing her terror at Bwikov's visit and her reluctant decision to accept his marriage proposal. ### [September 23rd: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she has apparently accepted Bwikov's proposal, and Makar addresses her with endearments and concern. ### [September 27th: Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-dear-makar-alexievitch) Barbara is overwhelmed and ill, managing wedding preparations and giving detailed instructions to Makar. ### [September 27th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of Makar's letter; she is urged not to despair and is expecting a visit from Madame Chiffon. ### [September 28th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Writes to Makar in distress, conveying Bwikov's anger and her own helplessness. ### [September 28th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of the letter, addressed with affection as 'My beloved Barbara Alexievna'. ### [September 29th: My Own Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-29th-my-own-barbara-alexievna) The recipient of the letter; she is to marry Bwikov tomorrow and leave the next day. ### [September 30th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-30th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Writes a farewell letter to Makar, expressing her love and sorrow as she prepares to leave with Monsieur Bwikov. ### [Beloved Barbara—My Jewel, My Priceless One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/beloved-barbara-my-jewel-my-priceless-one) The recipient of the letter, who is about to leave with Monsieur Bwikov. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/barbara_alexievna - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters