Borya

Natasha Ozoreva

Borya and Natasha are likely young lovers or sweethearts, with a tender and devoted relationship.

Natasha Ozoreva

Borya and Natasha are likely young lovers or sweethearts, with a tender and devoted relationship.

Natasha Ozoreva

Borya and Natasha are likely young lovers or sweethearts, with a tender and devoted relationship.

I

The deceased youngest family member, mourned by the women.

IX

Absent; Natasha recalls walking with him and her sisters.

X

Mentioned as X Borya, whose grandmother is Elena Kirillovna.

XII

Elena Kirillovna's beloved grandson; his portrait hangs on the wall and she recalls his youth and love for the garden.

XVI

Mentioned in Elena Kirillovna's prayer as one in prison and exile, for whom she seeks liberation and redemption.

XX

Elena Kirillovna's beloved grandson, whose return she anticipates.

XXII

Absent; Elena Kirillovna recalls seeing him in a half-dream and looks down the road toward the station for him.

XXIII

The absent son whose expected return home drives Sofia Alexandrovna's anxious actions.

XXV

Expected to return at any moment; Sofia prepares his favorite dishes and ensures his study is in order.

XXVI

Expected by Sofia Alexandrovna, but does not appear.

XXVII

Expected but not yet arrived; a fourth place is set for him at luncheon.

XXVIII

Frequently mentioned by the women at the table; his absence is a source of anxiety.

The Morning Paper

Mentioned as having been hanged a full year ago, causing his mother's ongoing grief.

XXXI

Has died, leaving Natasha without hope.

XXXIII

A pale lad with dark circles under his eyes, he eagerly implores Mikhail Lvovich to sing and joins in the hymn.

XXXIV

Echoes Natasha's readiness, affirming they are prepared to do all that is necessary, even die.

XXXVII

Natasha's brother, remembered as a brown, slender boy gathering blue flowers in the rye.

XXXVIII

Boris gathers flowers for Natasha, his voice serious and quavering as he hints they may not meet again. He asks Natasha about her mission with Mikhail Lvovich, showing envy and gloom, but is calmed by her composure.

XXXIX

Gathers cornflowers for Natasha, speaks of loving bigness and immoderation, and shares his intimate thought about giving oneself wholly to a thing.

XL

Mentioned as having been hanged; his death precipitates Natasha's abandonment of the revolutionary work.

XLI

Remembered flying high on the giant-stride with Natasha.

XLII

Boris is studying his final term and leaves for another city under the pretense of visiting relatives, arousing Natasha's suspicion.

XLIII

Has shot someone, arrested with comrades, faces military trial and death sentence.

XLIV

Boris has been arrested and faces a military trial and hanging; Natasha imagines his death in vivid, horrifying detail.

XLVI

Has been sentenced to hang along with his comrades after a trial held that morning.

XLVII

The condemned son for whom Sofia Alexandrovna pleads; referred to as a 'mere boy' and a conspirator.

XLVIII

Boris is calm and distant during his last meeting, refusing a priest and the cross, and is hanged before daybreak.

XLIX

The hanged son whose absence haunts the family; his overcoat and memories trigger grief.

L

The three women await him, then remember he has been hanged.

LII

Boris is mentioned as the one facing death, with Natasha and Sofia affirming that they are with him.

LIV

Referenced as having been hanged; his absence is the focus of the women's grief.

The Golden Post

Bobby (Borya) threatens his papa and then tries to soften the threat by imagining a golden post.