# Stepan Nilitch Rybkin — Short Fiction character guide

> Stepan Nilitch Rybkin in Short Fiction by Aleksandr Kuprin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Stepan, Rybkin, Stepan Nilitch

**First appearance:** 0007-captain-ribnikov

## Who they are

A journalist and secret police informant whose shabby trade in gossip and denunciation makes him a walking index of the city's compromises.

## In the story

### [The Idiot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/the-idiot)

Alexandra Ivanovna's idiot son, over 29 years old but appearing about 16; cannot speak properly, only making sounds like 'oorli' and calling himself 'Papan'; shows innocent curiosity and affection.

### [The Army Ensign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/the-army-ensign)

A fellow officer who engages with Ribnikov, noting his unusual demeanor.

### [The Little Red Christmas Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/the-little-red-christmas-tree)

The last bourgeois in Soviet Russia, a widower living in Malaya Zagvozdka, who feels trapped and nostalgic for pre-revolutionary traditions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/characters/stepan_rybkin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/characters