# Mr. Zheltkov — Short Fiction character guide

> Mr. Zheltkov in Short Fiction by Aleksandr Kuprin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Zheltkov, G. S. Zheltkov

**First appearance:** 0036-i

## Who they are

A poor telegraphist whose silent, obsessive devotion to Princess Vera turns a drawing-room anecdote into a quiet tragedy of the heart.

## In the story

### [Short Fiction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/short-fiction)

A mysterious admirer whose devotion drives the plot.

### [The Bracelet of Garnets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/the-bracelet-of-garnets)

Central figure in the garnet bracelet narrative, representing tragic love.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/v)

Sends a garnet bracelet and a letter to Vera, expressing his eternal devotion and reverence.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/vi)

Zheltkov is referenced indirectly as the 'enamoured telegraphist' in Prince Vasily's satirical story about Vera, though he is not present at the gathering.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/viii)

Discussed as Vera's mysterious admirer who has been sending her letters for years.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/ix)

The mysterious admirer (G. S. Z.) who sent the bracelet and letters; discussed but not present.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/x)

Confronted by Sheyin and Tuganovsky; admits his seven-year hopeless love for Vera and agrees to end it, foreseeing his death.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/xi)

Committed suicide; his final letter to Vera is read in full.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/xii)

Found dead after suicide; his body is laid out with a peaceful expression, and he left a note about Beethoven's sonata.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_se/chapters/xiii)

Referenced through his final note and the love he expressed; his death is implied.

## Links

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