The Duel · Character

Hainán

A Tartar soldier in the regiment, often serving as an orderly.

minor

First appearance: i

Hainán's tie to Sublieutenant Romashov is one of the pressures that moves The Duel—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Romashov's Circassian servant, who has a familiar relationship with his master and proudly tells the story of his oath of allegiance.

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With Sublieutenant Romashov (professional): Hainán is Romashov's loyal orderly, serving him with quiet devotion. With Sublieutenant Romashov (professional): Hainán is Romashov's loyal orderly, serving him with quiet…

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The fuller portrait of Hainán sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Hainán in i

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Extensive minor characters
Central officer conflicts
Protagonist

+8 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

In this scene, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Romashov, facing his imminent duel with Nikolä…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Sublieutenant Romashov
professional · positive
Hainán is Romashov's loyal orderly, serving him with quiet devotion. How this plays out →
Sublieutenant Romashov
professional · positive
Hainán is Romashov's loyal orderly, serving him with quiet devotion. How this plays out →
Sublieutenant Romashov
professional · positive
Hainán is Romashov's loyal orderly, serving him with quiet devotion. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Hainán in i

In the story

Hainán appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Romashov's Circassian servant, who has a familiar relationship with his master and proudly tells the story of his oath of allegiance.
Chapter VI: The Thread of Solitude
Romashov's orderly, who remains cheerful and active despite Romashov's insults, likened to a clumsy puppy.
VII
Found praying before a bust of Pushkin; Romashov reflects on their shared humanity but feels unable to shake his hand.
Chapter XI: The Name-Day Invitation and the Visit to Colonel Brehm
Romashov's servant, who shares his poverty and helps him with the morning coffee.
Chapter XV
Greets Romashov with a broad grin and offers to fetch food, but is dismissed angrily.
Chapter XXII
Hainán is briefly encountered by Romashov in the hallway, performing his usual dance and informing him that a lady is waiting in his room.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Hainán unlock in the free preview.

See Hainán in i

See Hainán in III