# Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin — Poor Folk character guide > Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin in Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Makar Alexievitch, Dearest Makar Alexievitch, Dear Makar Alexievitch, Makar Dievushkin, Dievushkin **First appearance:** 0000-april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna ## Snapshot A gray-haired copying clerk who measures his worth in ink and humility, pouring his meager salary and enormous heart into letters to a young woman he can barely protect. ## Who they are Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin has spent thirty years as a government copyist, mocked by colleagues as a byword for every office failure, yet he clings fiercely to the small dignity of legible handwriting and honest bread. His letters to Barbara swing between self-abasement and tenderness, revealing a man who knows he is ridiculous and loves anyway. He matters because his voice—garrulous, wounded, achingly sincere—is the novel's beating heart, showing how poverty corrodes dignity while love stubbornly rebuilds it. ## In the story ### [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the letter, describes his new lodgings, his joy at Barbara's curtain signal, and his springtime musings. ### [April 8th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; she scolds him for his costly gifts and worries about his health and living situation. ### [April 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Writes a heartfelt letter to Barbara, defending his paternal affection and reminiscing about his past. ### [April 9th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-9th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Addressed as the recipient; Barbara worries he is offended and despondent. ### [April 12th: Dearest Mistress Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-12th-dearest-mistress-barbara-alexievna) Writes a long letter to Barbara describing his living conditions and his concern for her health. ### [May 20th: My Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/may-20th-my-dearest-little-barbara) Writes a letter to Barbara, sending gifts and reassuring her about his well-being. ### [June 1st: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-1st-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of the manuscript, whose care and love Barbara seeks to repay. ### [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) Accompanied Barbara on the walk; she praises his kindness and attentiveness. ### [June 12th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-12th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara, reflecting on his long service, persecution by colleagues, and pride in his work as a copyist. ### [June 20th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-20th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; she urges him to buy a uniform and stop spending money on her. ### [June 21st: My Own, My Darling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-21st-my-own-my-darling) Writes a joyful letter to Barbara, expressing his happiness and plans to buy her a cloak. ### [June 22nd: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-22nd-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the sad event of Gorshkov's child's death, expressing pity and helplessness. ### [June 25th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-25th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; he had sent her a book she finds worthless. ### [June 26th: My Dear Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-26th-my-dear-little-barbara) Writes to Barbara, expressing his admiration for Rataziaev and literature, and shares his insecurities about his social standing and appearance. ### [June 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Addressee of the letter; Barbara chides him for not visiting and asks for his advice. ### [June 28th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-28th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Writes a passionate letter to Barbara, pleading with her not to leave and defending his friend Rataziaev. ### [My Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dear-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of the letter; Barbara addresses him as her dear friend and benefactor. ### [July 1st: Rubbish, Rubbish, Barbara!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-1st-rubbish-rubbish-barbara) Writes passionately to Barbara, pleading with her to stay and expressing his deep emotional dependence on her. ### [My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; invited her to the theatre but is rumored to be overspending. ### [July 7th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-7th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Narrates his past obsession with an actress, detailing his youthful folly and financial ruin. ### [July 8th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-8th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Writes a defensive and agitated letter to Barbara, returning the book she sent. He justifies his life of humble service, fears public ridicule, and protests against the book's portrayal of a clerk. ### [July 27th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-27th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Subject of Barbara's letter; his recent conduct and letters have frightened and plunged her into doubt. ### [July 28th: My Priceless Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-my-priceless-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara, expressing relief at returning to their old position, valuing his self-respect and her respect above all, and detailing his return to work and ongoing debts. ### [July 28th: Dearest Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-28th-dearest-little-barbara) Narrates his defense and explanation of his debauch, public humiliation, and love for Barbara. ### [July 29th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/july-29th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; she worries about his mental state and living conditions. ### [August 1st: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-1st-my-darling-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara, defending his past actions and expressing deep shame and anxiety about his poverty and appearance. ### [August 2nd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-2nd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; she advises him against borrowing money and invites him to live with her. ### [August 3rd: My Angel, Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-3rd-my-angel-barbara-alexievna) Narrates his desperate attempt to borrow money and his humiliation at the office. ### [August 4th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) The recipient of Barbara's desperate letter, whom she implores to borrow money on her behalf. ### [August 4th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-4th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Makar writes a frantic letter to Barbara, detailing his desperate plans to borrow money and his shame over his poverty, while vowing to protect her. ### [August 5th: Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Subject of Barbara's letter; she notes his pale and desperate appearance and his tendency to neglect his own needs for her sake. ### [August 5th: My Darling Little Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-5th-my-darling-little-barbara) Narrates his failed attempt to borrow money from Markov, his physical and emotional suffering, and his concern for Barbara's opinion. ### [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) Writes in a state of utter despair, feeling ruined and publicly humiliated after his private letter is read aloud and he is mocked. ### [August 13th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-13th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; she urges him to visit. ### [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) The subject of Barbara's letter; she scolds him for his drunkenness, shame, and neglect of her pleas. ### [August 19th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/august-19th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara, ashamed of his worn boots and appearance, but tries to rationalize his poverty. He defends his age and sends greetings from Emelia. ### [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) Writes a letter confessing his guilt and despair, describing his encounter with Emelia and his feelings of worthlessness. ### [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 recipient of the letter; Barbara mentions that she is glad he paid his landlady and urges him to repair his wardrobe. ### [September 5th: My Beloved Barbara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-5th-my-beloved-barbara) Narrates his walk, his thoughts on poverty and fate, his encounter with Gorshkov and the beggar boy, and his feelings of humiliation and compassion. ### [September 9th: My Dearest Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-9th-my-dearest-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the chapter in a letter to Barbara, describing his office humiliation and the unexpected kindness from his Excellency. ### [September 10th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-10th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) Recipient of Barbara's letter; praised for his superior's kindness and advised to save money. ### [September 11th: My Darling Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-11th-my-darling-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the letter, expressing joy at his improved fortunes and recounting his conversation about his Excellency's kindness. ### [September 15th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-15th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) Barbara begs him to visit her soon. ### [September 18th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-18th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the day's events to Barbara, expressing deep grief and bewilderment at Gorshkov's sudden death. ### [September 19th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-19th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara with news of new copying work obtained through Rataziaev. ### [September 23rd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch) The recipient of Barbara's letter; Bwikov offers to repay him with 500 roubles for his services to Barbara. ### [September 23rd: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Writes a hurried, emotional reply to Barbara, expressing astonishment and resignation about Bwikov's proposal, while also showing concern for her health and their future correspondence. ### [September 27th: Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-dear-makar-alexievitch) Makar is entrusted with multiple errands, including visiting Madame Chiffon and conveying Barbara's specific requests. ### [September 27th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Writes to Barbara, having completed her commissions; feels exhausted and skipped work; expresses hope and longing to see her. ### [September 28th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna) Narrates the letter, reports his own illness and the jeweller matter, and describes his fear of bothering Barbara. ### [September 29th: My Own Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-29th-my-own-barbara-alexievna) Writes a heartfelt letter to Barbara, expressing his sadness and resignation about her upcoming marriage, and describes his emotional visit to her empty room. ### [September 30th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-30th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch) The recipient of Barbara's farewell letter; she entrusts him with her belongings and asks him to remember her. ### [Beloved Barbara—My Jewel, My Priceless One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/beloved-barbara-my-jewel-my-priceless-one) The letter writer, expressing desperate love and anguish over Barbara's departure. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/makar_alexievitch - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters