# Katerina Maslova — Resurrection character guide > Katerina Maslova in Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Maslova, Katyusha, Katerina **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot A prisoner and former servant whose squinting eyes and practiced smile conceal the memory of a love that was taken from her, and a soul not yet dead. ## Who they are Maslova survives prison by vodka, wit, and the hard bargains of a woman who has learned to make use of men before they use her. When Nekhludoff reappears, she feels the old world of feeling stir and immediately buries it in mist, half-luring him, half-hating him. Her refusal to simply be his redemption—her suspicion, her tears, her silence—keeps the story honest and makes her awakening the book's true center. ## In the story ### [Resurrection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/resurrection) Mentioned as the woman Nekhlúdoff seduced years ago; she is now on trial for murder, prompting his guilt and quest for redemption. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/book-i) On trial for poisoning, convicted and sentenced; Nekhludoff visits her in prison. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/i) The prisoner being taken to court; she is described as pale from confinement, with black sparkling eyes and a slight squint. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/ii) Protagonist of the chapter; her life story from birth to imprisonment is detailed, including her seduction by Nekhlúdoff, the death of her child, and her years in a brothel. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the woman Nekhlúdoff seduced and abandoned ten years ago. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/viii) The third prisoner brought into court, she is the focus of attention due to her appearance. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/ix) Questioned by the president; gives her name as Lubov but corrects it to Katerina; says she is illegitimate and her surname is Maslova; when asked her occupation, she replies 'You know yourself' with a smile. ### [The Indictment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/x) Accused of poisoning and robbery; reacts with shock and attempts to speak when Botchkova and Kartinkin implicate her. ### [The Trial Begins: The Indictment and Pleas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xi) Pleads not guilty to theft but confesses to giving Smelkoff a powder she thought was harmless; appears frightened and anxious during questioning. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xii) Appears as the young Katúsha, a half-ward half-servant, who shares playful moments and a kiss with Nekhlúdoff. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned as Katúsha; Nekhlúdoff had not seen her for over three years, and the episode with her is recalled in the context of his mother's horror at the thought of marriage. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xiv) Brings Nekhlúdoff soap and towels; her presence reawakens his old feelings. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xv) Appears as the young Katúsha in the memory, dressed in white with a blue sash and red bow, radiating joy and chaste love. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xvi) Tries to avoid Nekhlúdoff's advances, showing fear and piteousness; her verbal refusals are contradicted by her tremulous confusion. ### [The Seduction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xvii) Sits alone in the maids' room, looks thoughtful and fearful; she submits to Nekhlúdoff's advances but is interrupted by Matróna Pávlovna. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xviii) Mentioned as the object of Nekhlúdoff's past sin; he gave her money and left. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xix) Brought back into court; her gaze fixes on Nekhlúdoff, and she appears serious and severe, though she does not recognize him. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xx) The defendant; Nekhludoff associates her life with the gruesome details of the corpse. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxi) Remains silent when given the chance to speak, only crying and looking around like a hunted animal. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxii) Watches the president's speech intently from the prisoners' dock; Nekhlúdoff sees her as the same Katúsha from his youth. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxiii) Máslova is the defendant; she is convicted and sentenced to penal servitude, though she is innocent of the intent to kill. ### [The Sentence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxiv) Upon hearing the sentence of four years of penal servitude, she cries out in protest, insisting on her innocence, and breaks down sobbing. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxviii) Nekhlúdoff recalls his love for her and his guilt, resolving to atone for his sin. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxix) Returns to prison after trial, exhausted and hungry; receives money from Kitáeva and buys cigarettes; is harassed by convicts. ### [Chapter XXX: The Women's Cell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxx) Máslova is imprisoned in the women's cell and is the central figure among the inmates. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxi) Returns to the cell after sentencing, sobs, and shares cigarettes with Korabléva. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxii) Returns to the cell after trial, shares food and vodka, recounts being stared at by men, and struggles to accept her conviction. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxiii) Nekhlúdoff's thoughts are consumed by her; he decides to visit her in prison and atone for his past actions. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxv) Referenced as the prisoner Nekhlúdoff seeks to visit and marry. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxvi) Mentioned as the prisoner Nekhlúdoff seeks; not present in the chapter. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxvii) Lies awake planning to avoid convict marriage; recalls the traumatic night at the railway station and her loss of faith. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxviii) Máslova wakes with dread, participates in the morning routine, and goes to church with the other women. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xl) Participates in the church service with a mixed sense of piety and dullness; observes Theodosia's husband among the warders. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xli) Nekhlúdoff names her to the warder; she is the prisoner he intends to visit. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlii) Máslova is seen standing behind Theodosia in the women's ward, wearing a white dress, unaware that Nekhlúdoff has come to see her. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xliii) Máslova is brought out to speak with Nekhlúdoff. She is initially confused, then bitter, and asks for money. She smiles in a luring, piteous manner, showing her depraved state. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xliv) Now a prostitute who is proud of her position and resists Nekhlúdoff's attempts to change her. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlv) Subject of the appeal; Nekhlúdoff plans to bring the petition for her signature. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlvi) Sits dull and depressed, drinks vodka for courage, and is called to see a visitor (Nekhlúdoff). ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlvii) Brought to the office, she signs the petition with a bold and cheerful demeanor, though briefly frightened by the inspector. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlviii) Drunk and angry, she refuses Nekhlúdoff's marriage proposal and accuses him of selfish motives. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xlix) Nekhlúdoff reflects on the horror of what he did to her soul; she is the subject of Véra Doúkhova's promised information. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/l) Nekhlúdoff seeks permission to visit her in prison; she is mentioned as unjustly condemned for poisoning. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/li) Reported to be drunk and violent after receiving money from Nekhlúdoff; placed in a separate cell. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/lv) Mentioned by Véra Doúkhova, who advises Nekhlúdoff to have her transferred to the political ward or hospital. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/lviii) Referenced as the woman Nekhlúdoff is seeking to have transferred to the prison hospital. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/lix) Refuses Nekhlúdoff's marriage offer, insists he leave her, and discusses her decision with other prisoners. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/i) Mentioned in Nekhlúdoff's thoughts; her case is to come before the Senate; her words and image haunt him at night. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/v) Discussed as Matróna's niece; her baby's fate is revealed—sent to the Foundlings' Hospital and died. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/viii) Nekhlúdoff resolves not to leave her but to continue helping her. ### [The Land Conference](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/ix) Appears only in the photograph Nekhlúdoff finds in the wardrobe. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xiii) Working as a nurse in the children's ward; she is reserved and conflicted, later overwhelmed by painful memories and bitterness. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xiv) Nekhlúdoff's primary concern; he discusses her case and his intention to marry her with his aunt, though Máslova has refused. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xvi) Her petition is submitted to the Senate; Nekhlúdoff seeks to expedite her case. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxix) Has been removed from the hospital back to her cell; accused of an intrigue with the medical assistant; signs the petition to the Emperor; shows emotional distress and love for Nekhlúdoff. ### [Nekhlúdoff's Classification of Prisoners and His Search for Justice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxx) Her case is the first of Nekhlúdoff's concerns; he prepares for her possible transfer to Siberia. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxi) Máslova is the woman Nekhlúdoff intends to marry, causing concern for his sister. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxii) Referenced as the woman Nekhlúdoff intends to marry and accompany to Siberia. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxiv) Among the prisoners; Nekhlúdoff thinks he sees her as the women come out, but she is lost in the crowd. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxv) Seen in the second row of women prisoners, carrying a sack, looking calm and determined. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxxviii) Sits in the women's carriage, smiles at Nekhlúdoff, asks for water, and expresses joy at seeing him. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/book-iii) Travels with the prisoner convoy, her fate still tied to Nekhlúdoff's efforts. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/i) Travels with the gang of prisoners, suffers from harassment, but finds relief after joining the political prisoners. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/ii) Uses a rusk to coax the frightened child into her arms, showing her gentle nature. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/iii) Finds new life and purpose among the political prisoners, admiring Mary Pávlovna and sympathizing with the revolutionaries' motives. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/iv) Máslova is influenced by Mary Pávlovna and Símonson; she feels Símonson's love raises her self-esteem and tries to awaken high qualities in herself. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/v) Undergoes a visible inner and outer change after joining the political prisoners; becomes reserved, sunburned, and loses coquettishness, meeting Nekhlúdoff with joy and gratitude. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/vii) Not directly seen, but Nekhlúdoff's purpose is to see her; she is presumably inside the halting station. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/viii) The prisoner Nekhlúdoff seeks to visit; she has been transferred to the political prisoners' section. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xi) Cleaning the prisoners' quarters; she greets Nekhlúdoff with a smile and continues her work. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as an object of Kondrátieff's pity, whom he sees as an example of lower-class exploitation by the upper classes. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xiv) Asked by Nekhlúdoff for her opinion, she says the common people are wronged, blushing. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xvi) Blushes and shakes her head when meeting Nekhludoff's eyes, showing suspense about the conversation. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xvii) Refuses Simonson's marriage proposal, citing her status as a convict and not wanting to ruin him. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xix) Referenced in Nekhlúdoff's recollection of the evening's conversation with Símonson and Katúsha. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xx) Noticed by Nekhlúdoff on the opposite side of the road, wearing a blue shawl, walking with Símonson and Véra Doúkhova. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxi) Mentioned in Nekhlúdoff's thoughts as full of energy and having found a righteous path with Símonson. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxiii) Her sentence is commuted to exile; Nekhlúdoff attempts to bring her the news. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxiv) Nekhlúdoff thinks about how she will receive the news of the mitigation of her sentence and recalls her past. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/xxv) Brought to the office; tells Nekhlúdoff she will follow Simonson, implying she still loves Nekhlúdoff but refuses him to spare him. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/characters/maslova - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/resurrection_se/characters