Short Fiction · Character

Glasha

A servant girl whose small errands and watchful silences thread through Sologub's stories, carrying the quiet weight of lives lived in other people's rooms.

supporting

Also known as XIV Glasha, XV Glasha

First appearance: short fiction

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Glasha is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Startled by Natasha as she runs through the house.

In the storyIXOpen this moment free

See Glasha in IX Book page

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Glasha moves through households as a maid, a witness, a pair of hands — rarely the center of attention, always somehow present when attention turns cruel or strange. Her position makes her both invisible and indispensable, which is precisely the kind of vantage Sologub prizes: the servant who sees what the family will not admit. In the early and middle stretches of these stories, she anchors the domestic world that the more theatrical characters strain against.

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See Glasha in short fiction

Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Glasha sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Recurring domestic characters
Focal and household figures

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because the old man undergoes a profound psychological reversal, abandonin…

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Relationships

Elena Kirillovna
family · positive
Elena Kirillovna and Glasha are likely sisters or close relatives, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →
Elena Kirillovna
family · positive
Elena Kirillovna and Glasha are likely sisters or close relatives, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →
Elena Kirillovna
family · positive
Elena Kirillovna and Glasha are likely sisters or close relatives, sharing a bond of… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Glasha in short fiction

In the story

Glasha appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVII
+5 more

IX
Startled by Natasha as she runs through the house.
X
The maid who sleeps late after evening strolls, is roused by the bell, and hurries to her mistress with sleepy anger.
XI
Servant who feigns astonishment and fear, speaks deferentially, and moves with heavy footsteps.
XII
Her footsteps die away in the corridor at the start of the chapter.
XIII
Glasha brings the coffee tray, arranges pillows for Elena Kirillovna, and briefly checks her reflection in the mirror before leaving.
XIV
Helps Elena Kirillovna dress; her youth and simplicity are envied by her mistress.
XV
Glasha washes herself at the veranda staircase, laughing happily as she thinks of a young man she likes, despite her mother's disapproval.
XVII
Appears to help Elena Kirillovna dress.
XIX
Brings Elena Kirillovna a hat and speaks compassionately with Stepanida about her mistress's longing.
XXII
Appears at the garden gate, speaks respectfully to Elena Kirillovna, and is described as looking ordinary with a commonplace dress.
XXIV
Glasha is dressing and responds to Sofia Alexandrovna's urgent ring, helping her get ready.
XXV
Asked about household matters, she humbly begs forgiveness for any disorder and wipes away tears.
XXVII
Serves at the table, wearing a newly-laundered cap with starched ribbons.

Chapter companion notes

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See Glasha in short fiction

See Glasha in IX