Lipa

Peasant Wives

Referred to as Mashenka, the young wife who had an affair with Matvey while her husband Vasya was away.

IV

Not present in this chapter.

Peasants

A peasant woman enduring hardship and loss.

III

Marya, the daughter-in-law; present in the barn with Olga, and later weeps during Sasha's reading.

In the Ravine

A poor, gentle woman from the village who marries into the Tsybukin family and endures great suffering.

II

A poor, beautiful young girl from Torguevo; chosen as Anisim's bride; described as childlike, shy, and trusting.

III

The bride, sits silently during the feast, still as if turned to stone.

IV

Lipa stands silently at first, but after Anisim leaves, she transforms into a cheerful, singing figure scrubbing stairs barefoot.

V

Returns from the fair with her mother, feels out of place in her wealthy marriage, and confides her unhappiness to Praskovya.

VI

Lipa cares for her baby Nikifor, speaking to him lovingly and dreaming of them working together as peasants.

VII

Washing clothes in the kitchen when Aksinya attacks, and is the mother of Nikifor.

VIII

Grieving mother who carries her dead baby home from the hospital, then is driven away by Aksinya.

IX

Shows compassion to old Tsybukin, bowing to him and offering him a piece of turnover; she sings joyfully after work.