Short Fiction · Character

The Village Headman

The pompous village headman who lords it over free Cossacks, chases their girls, and gets baited through the night by Levko's disguised revellers.

supporting

First appearance: A May Night

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

Levko's father, who secretly desires Hanna and opposes Levko's marriage.

In the storyA May NightOpen this moment free

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The headman carries himself like a duke among free Cossacks, treating villagers as serfs and cajoling their sweethearts — including Hanna, whose name he borrows when caught in the dark. His hypocrisy enrages Levko, who rallies the youths to 'bait the headman' with disguises and songs, and the old sinner's own guest, the brandy-distiller, sits smoking in his house unaware. He is the target that turns private grievance into communal mischief.

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Character Web

21 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

St. Petersburg tales characters
Miscellaneous supporting characters
Viy story characters

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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

The Village Headman appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A May Night
Levko's father, who secretly desires Hanna and opposes Levko's marriage.
II: The Village Headman
Described as a morose, severe, and important figure who once accompanied Empress Catherine and now rules the village with authority.
III: An Unexpected Rival—The Conspiracy
Revealed as Levko's rival; tries to court Hanna and threatens Levko; later attacked by the youths who mistake him for Hanna.
IV: Wild Pranks
Hosts the distiller, deals with the drunken Kalenik, and is mocked by a serenade.
VI: The Awakening
Captures Levko, reads the Commissary's order, and agrees to the wedding after being flattered by the Commissary's impending visit.
VII: How a Reconciliation Was Sought to Be Effected and a Lawsuit Ensued
The chief of police, who organizes the reconciliation dinner and tries to force the friends to shake hands.

Chapter companion notes

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