Resurrection · Character

Voldemar Simonson

A political exile of severe convictions who falls quietly, absolutely in love with Maslova, offering her a future no one else imagines for her.

supporting

Also known as Simonson

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Resurrection, Voldemar Simonson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A fellow political exile who becomes a significant figure in the prisoner group.

In the storyBook IIIOpen this moment free

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Simonson belongs to the world of prisoners who have traded comfort for principle, a man whose ascetic certainty sets him apart even among exiles. His devotion to Maslova is neither pity nor passion in the ordinary sense but a steady, undemanding commitment that asks nothing back. His presence forces Nekhludoff—and the reader—to ask whether atonement means possessing the person you wronged, or setting her free.

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See Voldemar Simonson in I

Character Web

5 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Prison Officials and Exiles
Family and Authority Figures
Supporting Cast and Prisoners
Society and Military Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it forces Nekhlúdoff to confront the central moral crisis of the nov…

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In the story

Voldemar Simonson appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III
A fellow political exile who becomes a significant figure in the prisoner group.
I
Political prisoner, vegetarian, writes philosophical thoughts in a notebook; marches because he won't use class privilege.
Chapter II
Confronts the officer, telling him he has behaved badly, displaying his moral courage.
IV
Símonson is a man guided by his own reason, a socialist propagandist who was exiled; he loves Máslova platonically and sees himself as a phagocyte.
XI
Seen heating a stove according to his own theory; he greets Nekhlúdoff and indicates he wants to speak with him later.
XV
Contrasted with Novódvoroff; his actions follow reason, unlike Novódvoroff's feeling-driven logic.
Chapter XVI
Declares his intention to marry Katerina Maslova, speaking with simplicity and truthfulness.
Chapter XVII
Proposes marriage to Maslova, as reported by Mary Pavlovna and discussed with Nekhludoff.
XIX
Mentioned in passing as part of Nekhlúdoff's thoughts about his conversation with Símonson and Katúsha.
Chapter XX
Walking with Katúsha and Véra Doúkhova, engaged in a heated discussion; raises his hat solemnly to Nekhlúdoff.
XXI
Mentioned as the man who has gained Katúsha's love.
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff reflects on Máslova's possible relationship with him.
XXIV
Nekhlúdoff wonders about Simonson's relation to Máslova.
XXV
Mentioned by Máslova as the man she will follow.

Chapter companion notes

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See Voldemar Simonson in I

See Voldemar Simonson in Book III