# The Colonel — Short Fiction character guide

> The Colonel in Short Fiction by Nikolai Gogol.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0012-taras-bulba

## Snapshot

A Cossack commander at Taras Bulba's campaign, present at the general's lavish dinner and the inspection of a skittish mare.

## Who they are

He moves among officers and country gentlemen at a grand military dinner, one of the ranking men whose presence lends the gathering its weight. When the general shows off his bay mare, the colonel steps down to pat her neck, performing the easy camaraderie of command. He embodies the world of martial hospitality and masculine display that frames the campaign's opening.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/i)

The elderly, grief-stricken colonel who hires Thomas to pray over his daughter's body for three nights.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/ii)

The grieving but menacing father who insists Thomas continue the prayers, threatening him with flogging if he refuses.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/ii)

A veteran colonel tries to see the nose at Junker's store but finds only ordinary goods.

### [The Calash](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/the-calash)

An officer present at the dinner and part of the group that discovers Tchertokoutski in the calash.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/characters/the_colonel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/characters