# Urmánov — Short Fiction character guide

> Urmánov in Short Fiction by Vladimir Korolenko.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** IV Urmánov, Mr. Urmánov

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

## Snapshot

A young patriot recruited into a fictitious marriage with a nervous American woman, playing his part so gravely that even the narrator envies his composure.

## Who they are

Urmánov walks arm-in-arm with the American lady through the park, raising his hat to her father the General with impeccable tact, gradually winning the old man's gruff affection. He treats the sham engagement as seriously as a real one, playing chess on the balcony and accepting shoulder-claps with grave courtesy. His performance becomes the story's quiet center of gravity, a young man whose tact and self-possession hold a fragile arrangement together.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/iii)

A student two terms ahead of the narrator, a native of Arkhangelsk, who inspires the narrator's romantic idealism about awakening the Samoyéde people.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/iv)

Described with fiery black eyes, long dark curls, and a lithe figure; known for his passionate arguments and recent shift to melancholy, later attributed to his feelings for 'the American.'

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/vi)

Walks with the narrator, describes the American woman's situation.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/vii)

The narrator, who observes and follows the American woman, feeling hatred for Ferapontyev and sympathy for her.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/viii)

Meets the American lady at the station, courts her, and marries her in a ceremony the narrator finds disingenuous.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/ix)

Shows a malicious, distorted expression reminiscent of a past argument; sits sullenly on a bench while his wife goes fishing with the narrator.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/x)

Walks with the narrator after the American woman's command, then erupts in rage, smashing his cane and throwing his shawl into the water before apologizing and confessing his torment.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xi)

Mentioned in the narrator's thoughts; his suffering is seen as tinged with happiness.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xii)

Glimpsed by the narrator in the snowy park; later reported to have left Moscow a month earlier.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xiv)

The narrator imagines consoling Urmánov over his lost love, then discovers the letter that reveals the tragic end of his romantic hopes.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xv)

The subject of the narrator's visions and sympathy; his suicide is discovered, and his remains are gathered by the station workers.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xvi)

Urmánov's death is the catalyst for the narrator's internal crisis; his shattered skull haunts the narrator.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xvii)

Referenced as a contrasting figure whose passionate nature and tragic end (after the American woman left) are compared to Titus's plodding diligence.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xviii)

Mentioned as the subject of student unrest; something unpleasant has happened to him, causing noise in the lecture hall.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xx)

Mentioned as someone the narrator feels no more sorry for than for Titus or himself.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xxiv)

Mentioned as having played chess with the General on the balcony of the villa.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/chapters/xxv)

The narrator grieves for Urmánov, whose fate is confirmed as true.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/characters/urmanov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_54_se/characters