Varvara Nikolayevna

A Country Cottage

Varya, the young wife, shares Sasha's dismay at the invasion of their privacy.

The Jeune Premier

The local beauty and niece of Klimov, whose reputation is falsely implicated in Podzharov's boastful story.

Difficult People

The eldest daughter, who is hopelessly crushed and sobs behind a screen during the argument.

Chapter IV

Assists with preparations for the birth, unlocking drawers and boxes, and offers reassurance.

IV

Not present in this chapter.

The Man in a Case

Varinka, the sister of Kovalenko, who is lively and sings, and shows interest in Byelikov but laughs at him after his fall.

In the Ravine

The kind-hearted but powerless wife of Anisim Tsybukin's son, who tries to help Lipa.

I

Second wife of Grigory Petrovitch Tsybukin, a kind and charitable woman who brings cleanliness and generosity to the household.

II

Step-mother who orchestrates the match; speaks softly and conspiratorially about Anisim's marriage.

III

Worn out but pleased with the lavish wedding, walks around pressing guests to eat.

IV

Varvara knits and laments the family's dishonest treatment of people, urging Anisim to speak to his father about it.

VI

Varvara is anxious about the family's future, urges her husband to secure land for the grandchild, and tries to maintain order in the household.

VII

Horrified by Aksinya's outburst and tries to calm her.

VIII

Wakes to Lipa's return, weeps, and begins laying out the dead baby.

IX

Continues her good works but is distressed by the surplus of jam that goes to waste; she has grown fatter and whiter.