Captain Ribnikov

Captain Ribnikov

The enigmatic staff-captain who is the focus of the chapter, suspected of being a Japanese spy.

I

The central figure, a seemingly impoverished and wounded staff-captain who uses his pathetic persona to gather war intelligence across Petersburg.

II

A loud, seemingly drunk officer who claims to have returned from the Far East; Schavinsky notes his odd behavior and strange facial expressions.

III

A hoarse, tippling infantry captain whom Schavinsky believes may be a Japanese spy; he deflects Schavinsky's probing with crude jokes and feigned ignorance.

IV

Ribnikov appears weary and hollow, drinking little despite his noisy demeanor; he cryptically states he walks up to death every day.

V

Spends the night with Clotilde; his suppressed passion erupts, but he is haunted by nightmares and mutters 'Banzai' in his sleep, deepening the mystery of his identity.

VI

The mysterious visitor who resembles a Japanese officer and shouted 'Banzai!'

VII

Wakes suddenly, suspects surveillance, attempts escape through window, falls and breaks his leg.

The Army Ensign

The central figure of the chapter, a Japanese spy posing as a Russian army ensign, displaying intense and erratic behavior.

I

The narrator's captain; a gruff, cynical man who mocks poetry and romance, sings old songs, and rescues an old woman from a calf.

I

The colonel of artillery, a good-natured sloven and glutton who personally selects fresh fish from the chef each morning.

III

The captain's mate, recruited by the student as a capper for the gambling scheme.