Ladies
Polzuhin, a stout young man with a jockey-like face who uses ladies' recommendations to obtain the post.
The Schoolmaster
Not directly present in the excerpts; no matching character found.
Difficult People
The mother, who tries to advocate for her son but is crushed by her husband's tyranny.
The Cattle-Dealers
Old Malahin, a cattle dealer, is the central figure; he is fussy, sociable, and resigned to losses.
II
Olga's uncle, who criticizes Pyotr Dmitritch and argues with Olga about her influence on her husband.
Chapter II
Mentioned indirectly as a colleague; the narrator reflects on his own role as a guardian and father figure.
I
The narrator, Pavel Andreitch, who is writing 'A History of Railways' and feels compelled to help the starving peasants despite his own unease.
III
The narrator, who is the master of the house, feels jealous and alienated from his wife's activities.
A Woman's Kingdom
A suitor or acquaintance of Anna, mentioned in the context of marriage and social expectations.
I: Christmas Eve
Mentioned as the late Akim Ivanovitch, Anna's father, whose bequest funds the poor relief.
Anna on the Neck
Anna's wealthy older husband, who is devoted to her but ultimately neglected.
I
Referred to as Modest Alexeitch, the wealthy, older husband who is formal, religious, and focused on duty.
Chapter II
Modest Alexeitch, Anna's husband, is present at the ball and later receives the Anna of the second grade, but is dismissed by Anna with contempt.
Three Years
Central figure in the family, grappling with business and personal relationships.
I
Waiting for Yulia Sergeyevna after church, consumed by love and jealousy.
Chapter II
Visits Yulia Sergeyevna to return her parasol, declares his love and proposes, but is rejected; afterward feels humiliated and resolves to give up hope for personal happiness.
III
Proposes to Yulia Sergeyevna suddenly on the stairs; described as serious, clever, and anxious about his sister's illness.
Chapter IV
Proposes to Yulia Sergeyevna and feels wounded by her lack of love; reflects on the marriage as a transaction.
V
The old father, Fyodor Stepanovitch, is present at the warehouse, talking to customers and displaying his authoritative manner.
VI
The old father, who welcomes Yulia, blesses her, and speaks about family unity and saving money.
Chapter VII
Laptev is deeply unhappy in his marriage, feeling disconnected from his wife Yulia. He meets his former lover Polina at a concert and is forced to confront his guilt and regret.
IX
Alexey Fyodorovitch Laptev gives the girls a scripture lesson and worries about Fyodor's behavior.
The Agony of Love and Money
Laptev is tormented by his wife's coldness, jealous of her friends, and feels trapped by his wealth.
XII
Accompanies the family to the exhibition and court; displays pretentious knowledge of art, often buying forgeries and hanging poor-quality pictures.
XIII
Mentioned as Yulia's husband, described as kind and honest but fainthearted; his family suffers diphtheria.
Chapter XIV
Grieving the death of his child and feeling distant from his wife, Laptev seeks distraction in charitable work and reconnects with Polina Razsudin.
Chapter XV
Sits reading silently with Yulia, feels distant from his earlier jealousy, and is burdened by family obligations and arguments.
Chapter XV
Brings his tedious article 'The Russian Soul' to show his brother, defends the merchant family legacy, and argues with Laptev about faith and heritage.
Chapter XV
Visits Laptev in desperation, begging him to save her children and to persuade Panaurov not to abandon her.
Chapter XVI
Struggles with the idea of moving into his father's house and working at the warehouse; feels his life is over and recalls a happy memory with Yulia's parasol.
Chapter XVII
Struggles with his role as head of the family business, feeling enslaved by the millions and the routine, and contemplates freedom.
III
The mother of Lida and Genya, who timidly agrees with Lida throughout the debate.
II
Anyuta Blagovo, daughter of the Assistant President of the Court, who delivers the message about the railway post and is involved in tableaux vivants.
IV
The narrator, living at Dubetchnya, decides to leave with Radish after Dolzhikov's visit.
VI
The narrator's father, who comes to berate him and ask about his sister.
XIX
The narrator's father, who confronts him about his past and refuses to reconcile.
II
Vera's grandfather, a silent, gluttonous figure who spends his days playing patience or dozing, occasionally showing affection or anger.
Gooseberries
Alehin, the landowner who hosts Ivan and Burkin at his estate Sofino.
II
Referred to as 'old father' Tsybukin; touched by Anisim's letters, agrees to the marriage plan.
III
Old Tsybukin, dances the Russian dance and is forgiven his wealth and wrongs by the crowd.
IV
Old Tsybukin drives Anisim to the station, expresses pride in his son, and offers him a place in the family business.
V
Referred to as old Tsybukin (Grigory Petrovitch), who discovers the false money and tries to dispose of it.
I
Andrey Andreitch, Nadya's fiancé, a handsome young man who plays the violin and is regarded as a musician in town.
II
Andrey Andreitch, Nadya's fiancé, who visits in the evening, plays the fiddle, and kisses her greedily.
