# Little Mishka — Short Fiction character guide

> Little Mishka in Short Fiction by Leonid Andreyev.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mishka, Tsiganok, Mishka Tsiganok, Suddenly Tsiganok

**First appearance:** 0001-short-fiction

## Snapshot

Mishka Tsiganok, called Little Mishka, is a lively, mischievous boy whose restless energy and hardship shape a childhood tale of cold rooms and small rebellions.

## Who they are

Little Mishka moves through a world of poverty and neglect, where children are scolded, starved, and made to kneel in corners for hours. Quick and mischievous, he turns his hunger and humiliation into pranks, fights, and small acts of defiance that keep him from breaking. His restless vitality anchors the story's early arc, showing how a boy survives when the adults around him have little left to give.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/chapters/ii)

A boy nicknamed 'the Suckling Pig' who suggests giving Senista a dime as a present.

### [IV: We Come from Oryol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/chapters/iv-we-come-from-oryol)

Condemned peasant from Oryol, nicknamed Tsiganok, awaiting execution for murder and robbery; exhibits erratic, defiant behavior and psychological distress.

### [XI: On the Way to the Scaffold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/chapters/xi-on-the-way-to-the-scaffold)

A murderer who joins the group, joking and showing defiance. He calls himself an 'ordinary murderer' and interacts with Werner.

### [XII: They Are Hanged](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/chapters/xii-they-are-hanged)

Desperately seeks a partner to die with; confesses to murder and horse theft; accepts Musya's offer; shows bravado toward soldiers.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/characters/little_mishka
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_34_se/characters