# Yan Skshetuski — The Deluge character guide

> Yan Skshetuski in The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Yan, Skshetuski, Pan Yan, Pan Skshetuski, Pan Yan Skshetuski

**First appearance:** 0007-i

## Snapshot

A veteran Polish colonel whose name rings through the Commonwealth, he rides from the Ukrainian wilderness into a collapsing kingdom with war-hardened calm and a cousin at his side.

## Who they are

Yan Skshetuski belongs to that brotherhood of soldiers whose reputations precede them — Zagloba's household greets his arrival as an event, and Volodyovski nearly goes wild with joy at seeing him again. His composure is tested when his cousin Stanislav arrives bearing news that the Swedes have overrun Great Poland and that its nobles have signed away their allegiance to the King. That contrast — the steady colonel absorbing catastrophe without flinching — makes him a natural anchor as the Commonwealth's crisis widens from a distant rumor into an intimate, personal emergency.

## In the story

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

Mentioned by Volodyovski as a fellow swordsman and friend from Zbaraj.

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

Rides with Skorashevski after the successful skirmish; joins in calling the nobles to resist the treasonous surrender.

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

Receives news of the Swedish invasion and the pact at Uistsie; decides to take his family to safety in Byalovyej and then join the fight.

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

Listens to the news and decides to join Volodyovski and Zagloba on the journey to Kyedani.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xvi)

Imprisoned; tries to calm Stanislav and considers escape through the grating.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xvii)

One of the officers condemned alongside Volodyovski; spared and to be sent to Birji.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xix)

Mentioned as advising against hanging prisoners, advocating for a more strategic approach.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xx)

Present in the council, supports the decision to go to Podlyasye.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xxi)

Defends Kmita as not a bad man, only erring. Bids farewell to Olenka, asking her to embrace his wife and children.

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xxxii)

Defends Kmita's sincerity regarding the warning, arguing that the advice is good despite Kmita's mysterious actions.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Present among the colonels, silent during Zagloba's speech.

### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lv)

Frightened by Zagloba's threat, tries to restrain him.

### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lvi)

Among the officers who enter the chamber after Radzivill's death.

### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lix)

Greets Kmita as a brother and future comrade; advises him to capture Boguslav.

### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxix)

Pan Yan Skshetuski is stationed on the walls and shares memories with Princess Griselda.

### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxxii)

Volunteers to go as envoy to Lyubomirski; is praised as a famous knight and witness to the fighting.

### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxxvii)

Present during the discussion, receives Zagloba's whispered comments.

### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxxviii)

Present among the officers; criticizes Sapyeha's neglect of duty.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/characters/yan_skshetuski
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_deluge_se/characters