The Dark Forest · Character

Andrey Vassilievitch

A widowed, excitable soldier who confesses his fear of the front to the narrator, he is the unit's most touching and least defended soul.

supporting

Also known as Little Andrey Vassilievitch, Andrey, Poor Andrey

First appearance: the dark forest

As a supporting figure in The Dark Forest, Andrey Vassilievitch is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A chattering member of the unit, attentive to Dr.

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Andrey Vassilievitch wakes the narrator with news of the advance, his fat hand trembling on the bed, and admits in the same breath that he is frightened and cannot say of what. He mourns his remarkable wife, treasures his old friendship with Nikitin, and stiffly refuses to speak against Semyonov. His unguarded confession of fear gives the book one of its earliest and most human portraits of what the war does to ordinary men.

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Character Web

4 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting cast and patients
Core medical unit
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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

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In the story

Andrey Vassilievitch appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Spring in the Train
A chattering member of the unit, attentive to Dr. Nikitin throughout the day.
The Schoolhouse
Finds the waiting disheartening.
III: The Invisible Battle
Andrey Vassilievitch is shown huddled after a shell explosion, then later freezes with fear on the moonlit road, but ultimately forces himself to continue.
IV: Nikitin
Described in his alliance with Nikitin, his doglike devotion, and his hatred of Semyonov.
VI: The Retreat
Tired and depressed during the retreat; Trenchard comforts him.
One Night
Discussed by Nikitin as a splendid man whom the narrator should like; not directly present in the chapter.
I: The Lovers
Mentioned as part of the group Semyonov dismisses as 'crazy romantics.'
II: Marie Ivanovna
Andrey Vassilievitch is present at the celebration, busy with his uniform, and his words about his wife are recalled by the narrator.
III: The Forest
Andrey is nervous and anxious, thinking of his wife; he exchanges a strange glance with Nikitin.
Four?
Mentioned as also experiencing visions of his wife, similar to Trenchard's illusions.
V: The Door Closes Behind Them
Killed during the Austrian attack; his death is reported to the narrator.

Chapter companion notes

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See Andrey Vassilievitch in the dark forest

See Andrey Vassilievitch in I: Spring in the Train