# Dr. Nikitin — The Dark Forest character guide

> Dr. Nikitin in The Dark Forest by Hugh Walpole.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Nikitin, IV Nikitin

**First appearance:** 0002-the-dark-forest

## Snapshot

A dreamy idealist and a surgeon of genius, he is the one man in the unit whom Semyonov never dares to sneer at.

## Who they are

Nikitin moves through the Otriad like a king travelling in disguise, tall, remote, and absorbed in visions the others cannot share. His first operation reveals a surgeon of the first rank, and Semyonov recognises it at once, which is why the two men treat each other with such elaborate politeness. He is the moral counterweight to Semyonov's cynicism, and his friendship with the anxious Andrey Vassilievitch gives the unit one of its few uncomplicated loyalties.

## In the story

### [The Dark Forest Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/the-dark-forest)

The doctor in charge of the forest hospital, overseeing the wounded.

### [I: Spring in the Train](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-i-spring-in-the-train)

Remains in his upper bunk for most of the day, observed by Andrey Vassilievitch.

### [The Schoolhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-ii-the-schoolhouse)

Delivers a speech on Russian character and idealism; smiles mysteriously.

### [IV: Nikitin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-iv-nikitin)

The chapter's focus; the narrator works under him and reflects on his character, his passivity, and his secret encouragement of Andrey Vassilievitch's devotion.

### [First Move to the Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-v-first-move-to-the-enemy)

Saves Trenchard from drowning and begins a friendship with him.

### [VI: The Retreat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-vi-the-retreat)

Trenchard seeks refuge with him; Nikitin shows understanding of Marie Ivanovna.

### [One Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-i-vii-one-night)

Accompanies the narrator, naps during the journey, speaks warmly of Andrey Vassilievitch, and later calls the narrator for tea.

### [I: The Lovers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-lovers)

Defends Trenchard and holds idealistic views about war, contrasting with Semyonov's cynicism.

### [III: The Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-the-forest)

Nikitin wakes the narrator, leads the group to the forest, and later sits in silence, appearing to cast a spell.

### [Four?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-four)

Referenced as having spoken about the light and color of the Forest, influencing Trenchard's descriptions.

### [V: The Door Closes Behind Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/chapters/part-ii-v-the-door-closes-behind-them)

Reports Trenchard's death to the narrator; remains calm during the crisis.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/characters/dr_nikitin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_dark_forest_se/characters