The Bolshevik Myth · Character

Alexander Berkman

An anarchist veteran of the American movement, Berkman returns to revolutionary Russia only to watch the Bolsheviks strangle the revolution he came to serve.

supporting

Also known as Berkman, Comrade Berkman

First appearance: iii in petrograd

As a supporting figure in The Bolshevik Myth, Alexander Berkman is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Berkman is noted as a comrade and co-witness to the betrayal of revolutionary principles.

In the storyThe Bolshevik MythOpen this moment free

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With Unknown Narrator (friendship): Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing ideological camaraderie. With Unknown Narrator (friendship): Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing ideological camaraderie. With Unknown Narrator (friendship): Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing ideological camaraderie.

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See Alexander Berkman in iii in petrograd

Character Web

17 connections

A slice of how Alexander Berkman sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Anarchists and Bolsheviks
Protagonist
Extensive Revolutionary Cast
Foreign and Bolshevik Officials

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of disillusion…

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Relationships

Unknown Narrator
friendship · positive
Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
friendship · positive
Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing… How this plays out →
Unknown Narrator
friendship · positive
Alexander Berkman is a fellow anarchist and close ally of the narrator, sharing… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Alexander Berkman in iii in petrograd

In the story

Alexander Berkman appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Bolshevik Myth
Berkman is noted as a comrade and co-witness to the betrayal of revolutionary principles.
II: On Soviet Soil
The narrator, deeply moved by the reception, speaks at the meeting to promote unity after Bianki's divisive remarks.
IV: Moscow
The narrator, who travels to Moscow as an interpreter for Lansbury and Barry.
VII: The Market
Addressed as 'Berkman' during the evening discussion; the narrator is implied to be Berkman.
I
Chairman of the Reception Committee for American deportees; narrates the journey and engages in ideological debates with Cheka officials.
XVII: The First of May
Berkman is hailed by Zinoviev and joins him in the parade; he interprets for an American correspondent.
The Spirit of Fanaticism
The narrator and protagonist, an anarchist who joins the committee to help the Butirki hunger strikers and later refuses to translate Lenin's pamphlet.
XXXV: Returning to Petrograd
Mentioned as a friend arrested in Kharkov along with Volin and Baron.
Kronstadt
Berkman co-signs an arbitration proposal to Zinoviev urging a peaceful commission to settle the Kronstadt dispute.
XL: The Lessons of the “Bolshevik Myth”
Implied as a close comrade; the narrator mentions 'my friends' and 'nearest comrades' alienated by their partiality toward the Bolsheviks.
I: My Personal Attitude and Reactions
Implied as the narrator, given the autobiographical context of the chapter.
Endnotes
Referenced in endnote regarding his 'Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist'.

Chapter companion notes

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See Alexander Berkman in iii in petrograd

See Alexander Berkman in The Bolshevik Myth