Remarks on Personages in The Deluge
Hero of The Deluge, possibly of the Kmitas of Little Poland, cooperated with Sapyeha and Charnyetski.
The Deluge
A central figure torn between personal loyalty to the Radzivills and his duty to the Commonwealth, ultimately choosing to resist the Swedish invasion.
I
Young banneret of Orsha, betrothed to Olenka; his whereabouts are unknown.
II
Arrives at Vodokty to meet Olenka; displays bold, gallant, and impetuous behavior; expresses immediate admiration and desire to marry.
III
Returns to his estate Lyubich, joins his comrades in drinking and wild shooting, showing his reckless and boisterous nature.
IV
Leads his comrades to Vodokty, admires Olenka's beauty, and shares a romantic sleigh ride with her.
V
Absent from the chapter but central to the conflict; his behavior with the Orsha company is the subject of complaints and Olenka's distress.
VI
Returns to Vodokty with his soldiers, conflicted between his love for Olenka and his loyalty to his men.
VII
Kmita has vanished after the battle; a letter from him arrives for Olenka, in which he justifies his actions and expresses a desire for peace.
VIII
Threatens to blow up the house, fights Volodyovski in a duel, is wounded and left alive.
IX
Discussed as the man who attacked Olenka; Volodyovski clears him of treason but condemns his methods.
X
Recovering from his wounds, learns that Olenka loves him, receives a commission from Volodyovski, and vows to serve the Commonwealth.
XIII
Mentioned by Volodyovski as a rival for Olenka's affections.
XIV
Swears an oath of loyalty to Radzivill on the crucifix; is deeply moved and confused by the prince's ominous words; later at the ball he spots Olenka and is filled with longing and self-reproach.
Chapter XV
A young, bold knight whom Radzivill sees as a potential key adherent; he listens to the prince's grand plans but is overwhelmed and uncertain.
XVI
Mentioned as uncertain in allegiance; his squadron is a key force in the mutiny.
XVII
Triumphs in battle but is gloomy; pleads with Radzivill to spare Volodyovski and his friends, showing his sense of honor and gratitude.
XX
Receives Radzivill's orders to fortify Kyedani and bring Olenka and the sword-bearer, but secretly wishes the colonels well.
XXI
Confronted by Zagloba with Radzivill's betrayal; crushed the letter and left. Later sentenced to death by Volodyovski for treason, but walks calmly to execution. Also attempts to persuade Billevich to go to Kyedani.
XXII
Returns to Kyedani without soldiers, confronts Radzivill about the deceitful letter, and is tormented by Olenka's coldness and silence.
XXIII
Sits beside Olenka, torn between love and hatred, and struggles with his loyalty to Radzivill.
XXIV
Receives secret instructions from Radzivill; struggles with lingering love for Olenka; agrees to depart on a political mission.
XXV
Prepares for his journey as an envoy, selects his escort, drinks with officers, and has an emotional farewell with Olenka, expressing his sorrow and defending his honor.
XXVI
Travels through devastated Lithuania, comforting refugees and reaffirming his loyalty to Radzivill. Confronts Prince Boguslav about the true motives behind Radzivill's actions.
XXVII
Confronts Boguslav, reveals his disillusionment with the Radzivills, and captures the prince.
Chapter XXVIII
Tormented by his predicament, Kmita laments his lost honor, fears for Olenka's safety, and vows vengeance against the Radzivills.
XXIX
Wounded and tormented by conscience, prays for redemption and decides to go to the king.
The Disguised Journey
Disguises himself as Babinich and plans a journey to the king, concealing his identity and intentions from others.
Chapter XXXI
Disguised as a horse-dealer, Kmita is recognized by Yuzva Butrym and forced to kill confederates in self-defense. He gives a ring to Jendzian as a sign for Volodyovski and resolves to go to the king.
XXXII
Attacks Volodyovski's men, kills three including Yuzva Butrym, but sends a warning letter urging the confederates to unite against Radzivill.
XXXIV
Mentioned as the holder of compromising letters; the Radzivills plot to retrieve them by using Olenka as a hostage or by sending an assassin.
XXXV
Accused by Boguslav of plotting to kidnap or kill King Yan Kazimir; Olenka defends him.
Chapter XXXVI
Travels under the alias Babinich, witnesses Swedish occupation and noble collaboration, confronts a noble about heretics and traitors, argues with nobles about oaths, and is captured by a Swedish patrol but released.
XXXVII
Observes the Swedish occupation of Warsaw, defends Pan Lushchevski, and is deeply moved by a prophecy and Olenka's request for a Mass.
XXXVIII
Overhears Count Veyhard's condemnation of Poland and suffers a night of feverish despair, blending thoughts of Olenka and the country's ruin.
XXXIX
Arrives at Yasna Gora under the alias Babinich, warns of Swedish attack, struggles with his temper but seeks confession and offers jewels to the monastery.
XL
Kills two Swedish horsemen with his bow after they fire first; stands with Charnyetski and later participates in the council.
XLII
Kmita hears Soroka's tale and considers a night attack on the Swedish trenches.
XLIII
Confronts Kuklinovski privately, beats him after Kuklinovski sets aside envoy status, then reports intelligence to Kordetski.
XLV
Captured after blowing up the Swedish siege-gun; reveals his true identity and faces execution at the hands of Kuklinovski.
XLVI
Mentioned as having blown himself up with powder to destroy the Swedish gun, giving his life for the defenders.
XLVIII
Arrives at court under the alias Babinich, delivers news from Chenstohova, and is devastated by the king's accusation against him.
XLIX
Frets in his lodgings, boiling with rage and shame over Boguslav Radzivill's betrayal, but resolves to serve the king to clear his name.
Chapter L
Struggles with suspicion from Tyzenhauz and others; captures a Swedish horseman to prove his loyalty; refuses Tyzenhauz's hand initially but reconciles.
LI
Leads the desperate rearguard action against the Swedes, fighting fiercely despite being wounded, and nearly dies before the mountaineers intervene.
LIII
Reveals his true identity to the king, confesses his past treason, and seeks forgiveness. Describes his service under Radzivill, his attack on Hovanski, and his attempt to capture Boguslav Radzivill.
LVIII
Presented as Pan Babinich, revealed by the king as the defender of Chenstohova, reconciled with Volodyovski.
LIX
Struggling with rage and despair over Olenka's removal; learns of her safety and resolves to join Charnyetski to confront Boguslav.
LX
Plans to hunt Boguslav Radzivill and rouse Jmud; receives the king's ring for Olenka; dispatches Soroka to Taurogi; takes command of the Tartar chambul.
LXI
Leads the Tartar chambul with iron discipline, punishing those who plunder. He is approached by Zamoyski to escort Anusia Borzobogati to Sapyeha, and he suspects a snare in the proposal.
LXII
Escorts Anusia, sees through Zamoyski's trick, and uses his Tartars to overpower the escort.
LXIII
Arrives at Sapyeha's camp disguised as Babinich, bearing letters and the hetman's baton. He is changed in appearance and feared recognition by former acquaintances.
LXIV
Leads Tartars ahead of Boguslav's army, cutting supplies and bridges, causing confusion and fear.
LXV
Reports on Boguslav's movements; his relentless pursuit has weakened the enemy. He is consumed by hatred for Boguslav and is desperate to rescue his servant Soroka.
LXVI
Confronts Prince Boguslav to beg for Soroka's life, struggles with his own vengeful impulses, and ultimately leads a mutiny to rescue Soroka.
LXVII
Returns to Sapyeha after escaping Boguslav; leads Tartars in a daring river crossing and flank attack on Boguslav's infantry; decides to prioritize country over private vengeance.
LXXV
Envoy who blew up the Swedish gun at Chenstohova; recounts killing Kuklinovski.
LXXVIII
Receives an order to attend Sapyeha's feast despite a scouting mission; decides to comply.
LXXIX
Impatient to interrogate Hassling about Taurogi; sent on a scouting expedition; later holds a dangerous position under fire, refusing relief.
LXXX
Praised by the king for his defense of the intrenchment; learns of the king's plan to send him to Lithuania; listens to Hassling's story about Olenka.
XC
Leads guerrilla actions against Swedish forces, evades traps set by Boguslav and Douglas, and later meets with Zagloba and Volodyovski.
XCI
Leads the Tartar campaign in Prussia, burning German settlements and reflecting on his past and love for Olenka. Later learns of the battle at Warsaw and mourns Kovalski.
XCII
Leads the retreat and engages in fierce combat, breaking the enemy center.
XCIV
Revealed as Babinich; he has been pursuing Sakovich and destroying Swedish forces in Jmud, unaware that Olenka is with the Billevich party.
XCV
Receives the hetman's order to march south; initially refuses out of exhaustion and despair, but after a spiritual struggle submits to duty.
XCVI
Found wounded in a wagon, shot by Hungarians at Magyerovo; brought to Lyubich to die, but begins to recover.
XCVII
Recovers from wounds, attends Mass at Upita, is publicly vindicated by the king's letter, and is celebrated as the new starosta of Upita.
