# Smirnov — Short Fiction character guide > Smirnov in Short Fiction by Anton Chekhov. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Sasha, Sasha Smirnov, Sasha Uskov **First appearance:** 0000-a-living-chattel ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [Joy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/joy) Mitya Kuldarov, a registration clerk, is the protagonist who becomes ecstatic upon seeing his name in the newspaper. ### [A Country Cottage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-country-cottage) Sasha, the young husband, initially happy but becomes horrified and resentful when relatives arrive. ### [Overdoing It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/zinotchka) Sasha, the narrator's eldest brother, who is involved in a secret romance with Zinotchka. ### [A Problem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/xiii) Referred to as Kostya, he walks with Yartsev, criticizes Laptev's character, and behaves rowdily when drunk. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iv) Not present in this chapter. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/betrothed) A family friend who encourages Nadya to think independently and pursue a life of purpose beyond marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/i) Sasha, a distant relative and artist who criticizes the family's idleness and the unchanged conditions of the servants. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) Sasha, Nadya's cousin or friend, who urges her to go to university and criticizes her idle life. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iii) Sasha is bored and disgusted with the town, decides to return to Moscow early, but is persuaded to stay until July 1st. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/v) Sasha helps Nadya into the cab and sits beside her on the journey, encouraging her with a smile. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vi) Sasha, Nadya's friend, dies of consumption in Saratov; his influence on Nadya is profound. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/characters/smirnov - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/characters