Short Fiction · Character

Smirnov

A harried contractor who takes on more jobs than he can finish, forever chasing the title of master while his accounts and workmen slip through his fingers.

supporting

Also known as Sasha, Sasha Smirnov, Sasha Uskov

First appearance: a living chattel

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

Mitya Kuldarov, a registration clerk, is the protagonist who becomes ecstatic upon seeing his name in the newspaper.

In the storyJoyOpen this moment free

Smirnov first appears in 0000 a living chattel.

In Joy: Mitya Kuldarov, a registration clerk, is the protagonist who becomes ecstatic upon seeing his name in the newspaper.

Later, in A Country Cottage: Sasha, the young husband, initially happy but becomes horrified and resentful when relatives arrive.

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Character Web

3 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Social and familial conflict participants
Romantic and social navigators
Disillusioned professionals and family figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak where Ivan Dmitritch’s paranoid resistance…

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In the story

Smirnov appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Joy
Mitya Kuldarov, a registration clerk, is the protagonist who becomes ecstatic upon seeing his name in the newspaper.
A Country Cottage
Sasha, the young husband, initially happy but becomes horrified and resentful when relatives arrive.
Overdoing It
Glyeb Gavrilovitch Smirnov, a land surveyor, is the protagonist who arrives at Gnilushki station and hires Klim to drive him to Dyevkino. He is cowardly and resorts to elaborate lies about revolvers and strength to intimidate his driver.
Love
The narrator's fiancée, a nineteen-year-old girl who is more interested in the romantic mystery and material details of their relationship than in the narrator's deeper plans and projects.
Chapter II
Referred to as 'Sasha' and 'the lieutenant'; he is the cousin of Kryukov and the one who fell for Susanna's scheme.
A Work of Art
The only son of his mother, brings a gift of an antique bronze candelabra to Dr. Koshelkov as thanks for saving his life.
Zinotchka
Sasha, the narrator's eldest brother, who is involved in a secret romance with Zinotchka.
A Problem
The young man at the center of the scandal, who forged a promissory note and now awaits the family's decision with weary indifference.
Ariadne
Referred to as Mihail Ivanitch Lubkov, a charming but irresponsible married man who is Ariadne's lover. He is always in good spirits, constantly borrowing money, and amuses everyone with his stories.
XII
Kostya, who defends a soldier in court with a sarcastic, lengthy speech that results in an acquittal; Yulia nods and presses his hand warmly afterward.
XIII
Referred to as Kostya, he walks with Yartsev, criticizes Laptev's character, and behaves rowdily when drunk.
IV
Not present in this chapter.
IV
The young girl who tells Motka about God, angels, and hell, and is beaten by Granny for neglecting her watch over the geese.
The Darling
A veterinary surgeon who rents Olenka's lodge. He is separated from his wife and has a son. Olenka later becomes attached to him and repeats his views on veterinary matters.
Betrothed
A family friend who encourages Nadya to think independently and pursue a life of purpose beyond marriage.
I
Sasha, a distant relative and artist who criticizes the family's idleness and the unchanged conditions of the servants.
II
Sasha, Nadya's cousin or friend, who urges her to go to university and criticizes her idle life.
III
Sasha is bored and disgusted with the town, decides to return to Moscow early, but is persuaded to stay until July 1st.
V
Sasha helps Nadya into the cab and sits beside her on the journey, encouraging her with a smile.
Chapter VI
Sasha, Nadya's friend, dies of consumption in Saratov; his influence on Nadya is profound.

Chapter companion notes

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See Smirnov in a living chattel

See Smirnov in Joy