Nikolay Yermolaitch

The Swedish Match

The detective leading the investigation into the murder.

I

The examining magistrate leading the murder investigation; he is methodical and dismissive of Dyukovsky's theories.

Chapter II

The examining magistrate, also referred to as Tchubikov, who is leading the Klyauzov case and is skeptical of the evidence against Marya Ivanovna.

In the Court

The prisoner accused of murdering his wife; initially nervous, he becomes reassured by the court's indifference.

IV

A visitor who comes on holidays, often drunk, and shows ecstatic reverence to the narrator.

The Helpmate

The doctor, husband of Olga Dmitrievna, who discovers her infidelity and reflects on his ruined life.

I

Nina Fyodorovna's husband, a landowner; visits briefly after supper.

IV

Not present in this chapter.

I

Returns to his childhood village Zhukovo after falling ill and losing his job as a waiter in Moscow; finds the family home shockingly poor and crowded.

III

Returned to his home village with his family; speaks gratefully of his benefactor Ivan Makaritch and is seen as unlikely to succeed.

IV

The sick, bedridden son who defends the children against his mother's abuse, longs to return to Moscow, and is secretly wished dead by the adults.

VI

Nikolay cannot sleep, takes out his dress-coat and smiles at it, then puts it away.

VII

Silent and guilty as Granny blames him for the family's troubles and the loss of the samovar.

Chapter VIII

Nikolay is ill and undergoes cupping treatment arranged by Granny; he dies towards morning after the procedure.

IX

Nikolay is remembered as having been carried out and given a requiem; his death is a source of ongoing grief for Olga.