# Monsieur Bykov — Poor Folk character guide

> Monsieur Bykov in Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Monsieur Bwikov, Bwikov, this Bwikov, this Monsieur Bwikov, Hospodin 1 Bwikov

**First appearance:** 0004-april-12th-dearest-mistress-barbara-alexievna

## Snapshot

A coarse, wealthy landowner who arrives in Barbara's life with the blunt force of an obligation dressed as an offer, promising rescue and demanding everything.

## Who they are

Monsieur Bykov is a man of property and appetites who once wronged Barbara's family and now proposes marriage as a matter of honor and convenience. He speaks plainly, laughs at his own villainy, and offers the Steppes, riches, and respectability—on his terms. He matters because he embodies the brutal arithmetic of a world where a woman's survival may depend on accepting the very man who helped ruin her, forcing Barbara and Makar toward the novel's decisive rupture.

## Relationships

### [Thedora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/thedora)

_professional_

Bykov employs Thedora as a servant or intermediary, using her to manage his affairs and communicate with others.

### [Pokrovski](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/pokrovski)

_rivalry_

Bykov and Pokrovski are antagonists, likely competing for influence or affection, with Bykov viewing Pokrovski as an obstacle.

### [Anna Thedorovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/anna_thedorovna)

_professional_

Anna Thedorovna collaborates with Bykov in schemes involving Barbara, acting as a manipulative matchmaker or business partner.

### [Anna Thedorovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/anna_thedorovna)

_professional_

Anna Thedorovna collaborates with Bykov in schemes involving Barbara, acting as a manipulative matchmaker or business partner.

## In the story

### [April 25th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/april-25th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch)

Referenced as Hospodin Bwikov, who declined to marry Barbara according to Sasha's account.

### [June 20th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/june-20th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch)

Mentioned in connection with Anna Thedorovna's schemes; Barbara rejects any reconciliation involving him.

### [September 15th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-15th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch)

Has returned to St. Petersburg, questioned Thedora, and visited Barbara's rooms while she was out.

### [September 23rd: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch)

Visits Barbara, proposes marriage, offers money, and speaks of taking her to the Steppes to secure a legal heir.

### [September 23rd: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-23rd-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna)

Makar mentions glimpsing Bwikov leaving Barbara's door, describes him as fine-looking, and discusses his proposal and business affairs.

### [September 27th: Dear Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-dear-makar-alexievitch)

Bwikov is impatient and angry about the wedding preparations, has trouble with the police, and insists on fine attire for his bride.

### [September 27th: My Beloved Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-27th-my-beloved-barbara-alexievna)

Mentioned as a man of choleric temper, causing Makar to be cautious about approaching Barbara's home.

### [September 28th: My Dearest Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-28th-my-dearest-makar-alexievitch)

Angrily cancels expensive earrings, threatens a plain wedding, and expresses regret about marriage expenses.

### [September 29th: My Own Barbara Alexievna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-29th-my-own-barbara-alexievna)

Barbara's fiancé, who has ordered a post-chaise for their departure and is reportedly out of humour with Barbara.

### [September 30th: My Beloved Makar Alexievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/september-30th-my-beloved-makar-alexievitch)

Mentioned as calling for Barbara; she is leaving with him.

### [Beloved Barbara—My Jewel, My Priceless One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/chapters/beloved-barbara-my-jewel-my-priceless-one)

The man Barbara is leaving with, criticized by Makar for his hunting and lack of care.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters/monsieur_bykov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poor_folk_se/characters