Short Fiction · Character

Ivan Ivanovitch

A tall, thin, exquisitely polite landowner of Mirgorod whose refined manners conceal a temper that flares when a fly lands in his beet-soup.

major

Also known as Ivan Ivanovitch Jeroshkin, Ivan

First appearance: I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

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

One of the feuding protagonists in 'The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich.'

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Ivan Ivanovitch is the neighbor everyone in Mirgorod calls a very fine fellow: curious, courteous, and given to snuff-box rituals and evening rambles after quail. His friendship with the bulky, taciturn Ivan Nikiforovitch rests on a delicate balance of opposites, and his thin skin and quick displeasure make him easy to wound. When a small offense lands between the two men, his wounded dignity becomes the engine of the whole quarrel.

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See Ivan Ivanovitch in I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

Character Web

34 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Mirgorod feud characters
Nose and madness characters
Miscellaneous supporting characters
Demonic pact characters
St. Petersburg tales characters

+29 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the auction transforms the deceased art-lover’s cherished colle…

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Relationships

The Judge
friendship · positive
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but… How this plays out →
Peter
friendship · positive
The Judge
friendship · positive
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but… How this plays out →
Peter
friendship · positive
The Judge
friendship · positive
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but… How this plays out →

The Judge
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but occasionally petty relationship.
Peter
Ivan Ivanovitch and Peter are friends and fellow townsmen, sharing in local social life and conflicts.
The Judge
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but occasionally petty relationship.
Peter
Ivan Ivanovitch and Peter are friends and fellow townsmen, sharing in local social life and conflicts.
The Judge
Ivan Ivanovitch and the Judge are longtime friends and neighbors who share a cordial but occasionally petty relationship.

Relationship notes

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See Ivan Ivanovitch in I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

In the story

Ivan Ivanovitch appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Short Fiction
One of the feuding protagonists in 'The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich.'
How the Two Ivans Quarrelled
One of the two Ivans; his insult over a gun triggers the quarrel.
I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch
A tall, thin, talkative, and pious man who loves melons, receiving presents, and observing the poor after church. He is extremely curious and becomes angry if a fly falls into his beet-soup.
II: From Which May Be Seen Whence Arose the Discussion Between Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch
Attempts to trade for Ivan Nikiforovitch's gun, becomes enraged when called a goose, and storms out after being ordered to leave.
What Took Place After Ivan Ivanovitch’s Quarrel with Ivan Nikiforovitch
After the quarrel, he initially considers making peace but is provoked by the new goose-shed. He secretly saws through its supports at night, then fears revenge and resolves to file a complaint.
What Took Place Before the District Judge of Mirgorod
Files a formal plaint against Ivan Nikiforovitch for insult and property encroachment, insisting on legal action despite the judge's attempts at reconciliation.
V: In Which Are Detailed the Deliberations of Two Important Personages of Mirgorod
The aggrieved owner of the sow; he argues with the chief of police about the sow's culpability and refuses reconciliation with Ivan Nikiforovitch.
From Which the Reader Can Easily Discover What Is Contained in It
His sow is revealed to have stolen the petition. He angrily refuses reconciliation efforts and continues the feud.
VII: How a Reconciliation Was Sought to Be Effected and a Lawsuit Ensued
The one-eyed Ivan Ivanovitch, who participates in pushing the friends together during the reconciliation attempt.
The Mantle
Godfather at Akaki's baptism, a registrar of the senate.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ivan Ivanovitch in I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

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