# The Stranger — Short Fiction character guide > The Stranger in Short Fiction by Anton Chekhov. **Role:** minor **First appearance:** 0000-a-living-chattel ## Who they are An enigmatic figure who appears in the narrative. ## In the story ### [An Enigmatic Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/an-enigmatic-nature) The pretty lady in the railway carriage who reveals her life story to the author. ### [The Death of a Government Clerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-death-of-a-government-clerk) A civilian general in the Department of Transport who is the recipient of Tchervyakov's sneeze and subsequent apologies. ### [A Daughter of Albion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-daughter-of-albion) A landowner who is fishing and openly disparages the English governess, Miss Fyce, for her appearance and lack of Russian. ### [A Daughter of Albion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-daughter-of-albion) The district Marshal of Nobility who visits Gryabov and is both amused and embarrassed by the situation. ### [A Daughter of Albion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-daughter-of-albion) The English governess who fishes silently and regards Gryabov and Otsov with disdain. ### [An Inquiry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/an-inquiry) A tall, thickset country gentleman with a cropped head and prominent eyes who visits the government office to inquire about his case. ### [The Album](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-album) A subordinate who prompts Kraterov during the speech and adds his own remarks. ### [Oysters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/oysters) An eight-year-old boy suffering from extreme hunger, who becomes obsessed with the word 'oysters' and is taken into a restaurant to eat them. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/i) Dyukovsky, Tchubikov's assistant, who eagerly proposes theories about the murder and the involvement of the victim's sister. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) The police superintendent's wife, who confesses to hiding Klyauzov in the bathhouse and is implicated in the case. ### [In an Hotel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/in-an-hotel) Staff-captain Kikin, the drunken and rowdy lodger causing disturbances in the hotel. ### [Boots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/boots) The piano-tuner, a rheumatic man with a yellow face and snuff-stained nose, who suffers humiliation and physical pain after being forced to wear mismatched boots. ### [Boots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/boots) The actor who mistakenly took Murkin's boots; he plays Bluebeard in the theatre and later chases Murkin with a revolver. ### [Boots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/boots) The injured husband who becomes enraged when he believes Murkin is slandering his wife. ### [A Dead Body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-dead-body) A pilgrim in a monkish cassock who is terrified of the dead body and pays for an escort. ### [In a Strange Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/in-a-strange-land) A landowner who hosts and verbally abuses his French tutor, Champoun, with nationalistic insults. ### [In a Strange Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/in-a-strange-land) A former French tutor now serving as a live-in companion, subjected to Kamyshev's relentless mockery and manipulation. ### [Oh! The Public](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/oh-the-public) The rheumatic invalid passenger who is repeatedly disturbed while trying to sleep. ### [Mari d'Elle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/mari-d-elle) A provincial manager named Bezbozhnikov, brought home by Denis, who witnesses the singer's outburst. ### [Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/misery) The sledge-driver, grieving the death of his son, seeks someone to share his misery with. ### [Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/misery) A fare who briefly listens to Iona's news but shows no real interest. ### [Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/misery) One of three young men who ride with Iona; he mocks and abuses him, ignoring his grief. ### [An Actor's End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/an-actor-s-end) The jeune premier who reminisces with Shtchiptsov about past exploits, brings brandy and castor oil, and tries to cheer him up. ### [Ivan Matveyitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ivan-matveyitch) A fairly well-known man of learning who employs Ivan Matveyitch as a secretary. He is impatient and scolds Ivan for being late, but also shows concern for his education and well-being, offering him books by Gogol and Turgenev. ### [The Witch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-witch) A fair-haired young postman who, along with his driver, seeks shelter from the snowstorm; he is angry, exhausted, and complains bitterly about his difficult life. ### [A Story Without an End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-story-without-an-end) The narrator, who observes Vassilyev's behavior and reflects on the transience of suffering. ### [A Joke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-joke) The unnamed narrator who plays the joke, whispering 'I love you, Nadya' during the toboggan rides and later reflecting on his motives. ### [Easter Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/easter-eve) The narrator, who observes the Easter Eve festivities and interacts with Ieronim. ### [Ladies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ladies) Vremensky, a schoolmaster who loses his voice and is promised a secretary post, only to be denied it. ### [Strong Impressions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/strong-impressions) The juryman who tells the story of being manipulated by a lawyer friend into writing a letter to break off his engagement. ### [A Gentleman Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-gentleman-friend) The protagonist, a woman of easy virtue, who leaves the hospital penniless and struggles with her identity and shame when she tries to seek help from a former acquaintance. ### [The Privy Councillor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-privy-councillor) Fyodor, Tatyana Ivanovna's husband, who reacts violently to the uncle's attentions. ### [The Chorus Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-chorus-girl) The wife of Nikolay Petrovitch Kolpakov, who comes to Pasha's villa to demand the return of her husband's gifts and save him from arrest. ### [A Troublesome Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-troublesome-visitor) A young hunter from Vyazovka who seeks shelter in Artyom's hut during a storm; he is courageous and morally outraged by Artyom's refusal to help a woman in distress. ### [A Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-misfortune) Ilyin, a lawyer spending the summer in the neighborhood, who confesses his criminal and immoral behavior but feels unable to resist his love for Sofya Petrovna. ### [The First-Class Passenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-first-class-passenger) The first-class passenger who initiates the conversation about fame. ### [A Trivial Incident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-trivial-incident) Grontovsky, the head clerk who stops the narrator and the prince from shooting. ### [A Tripping Tongue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-tripping-tongue) The young married lady who returns from Yalta and tells her husband about her trip, including her interactions with a Tatar guide. ### [A Tripping Tongue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-tripping-tongue) Natalya Mihalovna's husband, who listens to her stories with growing suspicion and irritation. ### [In the Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/in-the-court) The local Croesus in the audience, noted by the assistant prosecutor as having a fortune of fifty thousand. ### [Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/dreams) Nikandr Sapozhnikov, a long, thin, grave constable who maintains a staid silence during the journey. ### [The Orator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-orator) Zapoikin, the orator, mistakenly delivers a eulogy for the wrong man. ### [Who Was to Blame?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/who-was-to-blame) The first-person narrator who reflects on his own experience of being taught Latin by his uncle, comparing himself to the frightened kitten. ### [Vanka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vanka) Eel, the other dog, known for his cunning and politeness, wags his tail when offered snuff. ### [Champagne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/champagne) The unnamed narrator, a young stationmaster, reflects on his life of boredom, despair, and a loveless marriage. ### [Frost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/frost) The governor, bishop, and mayor are present, discussing the frost and sharing memories of suffering. ### [Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/drunk) A wealthy manufacturer, handsome with a round beard and velvety eyes, who drinks heavily and confesses his hatred for his wife and his distrust of everyone. ### [Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/drunk) Frolov's lawyer, an elderly man with a big rough head, who accompanies Frolov in the restaurant and listens to his drunken confessions. ### [Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/drunk) A decrepit, doleful old man who once was an engineer and now works in the restaurant, carrying out commissions and being humiliated by Frolov. ### [Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/drunk) A little Tatar boy, aged about twelve, wearing a dress coat and white gloves, who is brought in to perform and says 'The mutability of destiny.' ### [Drunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/drunk) A round little old man, buried in fat and completely bald, who makes his fortune by grunting like a pig and performs for Frolov. ### [Shrove Tuesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/shrove-tuesday) The two aunts who never speak and the deaf-mute aunt are present at tea, sitting immovably and dozing. ### [A Defenceless Creature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-defenceless-creature) Madame Shtchukin, the persistent petitioner, is the central antagonist of the chapter. ### [A Bad Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-bad-business) Appears as a lost pilgrim but later reveals himself as Gubaryev, a dead man who hanged himself. ### [An Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/an-adventure) The listener to whom the cabdriver recounts the tale. ### [Aborigines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/aborigines) A Polish lieutenant who spends the day grumbling about the laziness of the local natives. ### [Aborigines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/aborigines) The town architect who visits Lyashkevsky and joins in criticizing the natives while neglecting his own work. ### [Aborigines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/aborigines) Lyashkevsky's landlord, a plump local man who sits idly on a bench, cracking sunflower seeds and talking. ### [A Transgression](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-transgression) The collegiate assessor who struggles with guilt and attempts to abandon the baby he believes is his. ### [Uprooted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/uprooted) A young homeless wanderer who shares the narrator's room; he dreams of a settled life and feels apologetic for his rootless existence. ### [A Happy Ending](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-happy-ending) Stytchkin, the head railway guard, is the central character who seeks a bride and ends up proposing to the matchmaker. ### [In the Coach-House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/in-the-coach-house) The fish-hawker Nikandr, an old man who sells herrings and tells the story of the general's son. ### [The Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-post) A student traveling to the station, polite and talkative, who finds the night journey both frightening and amusing. ### [The Runaway](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-runaway) The doctor who treats Pashka, scolds him playfully, and promises to take him to catch finches and to the fair. ### [The Old House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-old-house) The houseowner and narrator, who leads the architect through the old house and recounts the stories of its lodgers. ### [Expensive Lessons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/expensive-lessons) Alice Osipovna Enquête, the French teacher, cold and businesslike, who treats Vorotov as a pupil. ### [The Lion and the Sun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-lion-and-the-sun) The mayor of the town, obsessed with acquiring the Persian Order of the Lion and the Sun, who ingratiates himself with the visiting Persian magnate. ### [II: A Mysterious Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii-a-mysterious-stranger) A short, fat man in a top hat who finds Kashtanka in the snow, feeds her, and provides her with a mattress to sleep on. ### [III: New and Very Agreeable Acquaintances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iii-new-and-very-agreeable-acquaintances) Kashtanka's new master, who names her 'Auntie' and introduces her to the other animals. ### [IV: Marvels on a Hurdle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iv-marvels-on-a-hurdle) The trainer who orchestrates the animal tricks with the hurdle, bell, and pistol. ### [V: Talent! Talent!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/v-talent-talent) Her new master, who teaches her tricks and praises her talent. ### [VI: An Uneasy Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vi-an-uneasy-night) An unseen, shapeless presence that frightens Auntie in the darkness, symbolizing the unknown and death. ### [VII: An Unsuccessful Debut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vii-an-unsuccessful-debut) The master, a clown, prepares for the performance with anxiety and transforms into a grotesque figure. ### [A Story Without a Title](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-story-without-a-title) A drunken townsman who arrives at the monastery, criticizes the monks for their idleness, and inspires the Father Superior to leave. ### [Sleepy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/sleepy) The young doctor who visits Varka's dying father, Yefim Stepanov. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vi) Arrives with a dead bustard and a gun, smiling broadly. ### [Lights](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/lights) The engineer Ananyev, who narrates the story and reflects on his own moral and intellectual failings. ### [The Beauties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-beauties) A young Armenian girl at a railway station whose extraordinary beauty deeply moves the narrator, leaving him with a feeling of melancholy and longing. ### [The Beauties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-beauties) A beautiful girl encountered in a village near the steppe, whose loveliness similarly evokes a bittersweet and sorrowful impression in the narrator. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) The narrator, who observes the beautiful girl and reflects on the officer's comments. ### [The Shoemaker and the Devil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-shoemaker-and-the-devil) The mysterious customer in blue spectacles who orders boots and is revealed to be a pyrotechnician; appears as a devil figure in Fyodor's dream. ### [The Bet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-bet) The young lawyer who accepts the bet and undergoes a profound transformation during fifteen years of solitary confinement, ultimately renouncing the money. ### [The Bet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/i) The young lawyer who accepts the bet and endures fifteen years of solitary confinement. ### [The Bet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/i) The old banker who recalls the bet and reflects on its futility. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) The prisoner who has spent fifteen years in solitary confinement; writes a letter renouncing the two million rubles and despising worldly wisdom. ### [A Nervous Breakdown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/a-nervous-breakdown) A fellow student and friend of Vassilyev, who accompanies him on his visits to the brothels and later tries to reason with him. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) The medical student, one of Vassilyev's companions, speaks Italian and criticizes Vassilyev for wasting money. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iv) A dark woman from Tchernigov with whom Vassilyev attempts a conversation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vii) The medical student who accompanies Vassilyev and answers the doctor's questions. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iii) Introduced as Dr. Sobol, a tall, thickset gentleman with a bald head and fair beard; joins the gathering and asks for rum. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/v) The narrator's wife, referred to as Natalie, is weeping and accusing him of being a difficult egoist. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vi) The unnamed narrator and engineer who reflects on his own character, his wife, and the contrast with Butyga's craftsmanship. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/vii) Referred to as Moiseika, who goes about town begging alms. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ix) Moiseika, the Jew who begs for money and is seen with bare feet in the cold. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/xvii) Moiseika returns and begs the doctor for a kopeck. ### [Rothschild's Fiddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/rothschild-s-fiddle) A gaunt, red-haired Jewish flautist in the town orchestra, whom Yakov despises and verbally abuses. Despite the hostility, Rothschild seeks Yakov out after Marfa's death, showing a mix of fear and respect. ### [The Head-Gardener's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-head-gardener-s-story) The learned doctor (Thomson or Wilson) who heals the townspeople, is loved by all, and is eventually murdered. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) Artynov, a rich man with asthma, attends the bazaar and pays large sums for champagne and tea while staring at Anna. ### [Ariadne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ariadne) The unnamed narrator who is hopelessly in love with Ariadne. He is sensitive, idealistic, and devastated by her betrayal. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iv) Not present in this chapter. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ix) Mariya's father, a wealthy engineer who returns from Petersburg; he treats the narrator with condescending friendliness. ### [Marriage and New Beginnings at Dubetchnya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/x) The narrator's father; mentioned indirectly through Kleopatra's report of his hurt feelings and possible reconciliation. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/xvi) Ivan Tcheprakov, who drunkenly shouts for help and fights with Moisey. ### [The Petchenyeg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/the-petchenyeg) A fair-haired, plump, middle-aged lawyer, gentle and modest, a vegetarian, disturbed by Zhmuhin's stories. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/iii) New laborer, a young soldier, illegitimate and homeless, briefly converses with Vera. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/ii) The porter at the hydropathic establishment, who receives a letter from the country and remains indifferent to his wife's emotions. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/chapters/viii) An old man from Firsanovo who offers Lipa a ride and speaks compassionately about her loss. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/characters/the_stranger - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_5_se/characters