Short Fiction · Character

Ivan Nikiforovitch

A short, enormously thick landowner who lolls on his porch all day, says little, and once roused can talk your head clean off.

major

Also known as Ivan Nikiforovitch Dovgotchkun, Ivan Dovgotchkun, Nikiforovitch

First appearance: I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

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

The other feuding protagonist in the same story, known for his stubbornness.

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Ivan Nikiforovitch is Ivan Ivanovitch's neighbor and closest friend, a man of few words and vast trousers who bathes to the neck with a samovar floating beside him. Where his friend is refined and easily ruffled, he is phlegmatic and unreadable, his small yellow eyes giving away nothing. That very opacity makes him dangerous once a trivial dispute begins, since no one can tell what he feels or how far he will take it.

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Character Web

6 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mirgorod feud characters
Viy story characters
Comic and domestic characters
Protagonist

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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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In the story

Ivan Nikiforovitch appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Short Fiction
The other feuding protagonist in the same story, known for his stubbornness.
How the Two Ivans Quarrelled
The other Ivan; takes offense and escalates the conflict.
I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch
A short, stout, reticent man who enjoys bathing and drinking tea in the water. He shaves only once a week and is difficult to read emotionally.
II: From Which May Be Seen Whence Arose the Discussion Between Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch
Refuses to trade his gun, insults Ivan Ivanovitch by calling him a goose, and orders his servant to eject him.
What Took Place After Ivan Ivanovitch’s Quarrel with Ivan Nikiforovitch
Under the influence of Agafya Fedosyevna, he refuses reconciliation and builds a goose-shed as an insult to Ivan Ivanovitch.
What Took Place Before the District Judge of Mirgorod
Files a counter-plaint accusing Ivan Ivanovitch of destroying his goose-shed and threatening his life; struggles to enter the courtroom and is squeezed through the door by clerks.
V: In Which Are Detailed the Deliberations of Two Important Personages of Mirgorod
Mentioned as the object of the attempted reconciliation; Ivan Ivanovitch refuses to be reconciled with him.
From Which the Reader Can Easily Discover What Is Contained in It
Urged by Agafya Fedosyevna, he hires a scribbler to file a new petition against Ivan Ivanovitch and the judge. Later, he refuses reconciliation and builds a new goose-shed to distance himself from his neighbor.
VII: How a Reconciliation Was Sought to Be Effected and a Lawsuit Ensued
Reluctantly attends the dinner but accidentally reignites the quarrel by calling Ivan Ivanovitch a 'goose.'

Chapter companion notes

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See Ivan Nikiforovitch in I: Ivan Ivanovitch and Ivan Nikiforovitch

See Ivan Nikiforovitch in Short Fiction