Polina Alexandrovna

Alexei Ivanovitch

Alexei is obsessively in love with Polina, who manipulates his feelings and keeps him in a state of emotional torment and servitude.

The General

Polina is the General's stepdaughter, and their relationship is marked by mutual resentment and financial dependency.

Mr. Astley

Mr. Astley harbors a quiet, unrequited love for Polina, offering her genuine kindness and support without expectation.

Grandmother

Grandmother is Polina's step-grandmother, and their interactions are cold and transactional, with Grandmother dismissing Polina's needs.

Baroness Burmergelm

Polina and the Baroness are distant social acquaintances, with no meaningful interaction beyond public decorum.

Zelma

Polina and Zelma are casual acquaintances in the resort, with Zelma serving as a minor figure in Polina's social orbit.

Alexei Ivanovitch

Alexei is obsessively in love with Polina, who manipulates his feelings and keeps him in a state of emotional torment and servitude.

Mr. Astley

Mr. Astley harbors a quiet, unrequited love for Polina, offering her genuine kindness and support without expectation.

Alexei Ivanovitch

Alexei is obsessively in love with Polina, who manipulates his feelings and keeps him in a state of emotional torment and servitude.

The General

Polina is the General's stepdaughter, and their relationship is marked by mutual resentment and financial dependency.

Grandmother

Grandmother is Polina's step-grandmother, and their interactions are cold and transactional, with Grandmother dismissing Polina's needs.

Baroness Burmergelm

Polina and the Baroness are distant social acquaintances, with no meaningful interaction beyond public decorum.

Chapter I

Demands money from Alexei, reveals her need for funds and her manipulative attitude toward him.

II

Insists Alexei play as her partner on equal shares; offers him 800 gülden from her winnings.

III

Avoids Alexei but maintains a contemptuous, manipulative hold over him; she intends to use him for gambling.

IV

Entrusts Alexei with 600 gülden to gamble; remains silent during the lunch debate.

V

Reveals the General's debts to De Griers, admits her own financial troubles, and challenges Alexei to insult the Baroness.

VI

The object of Alexei's obsession; her cruel treatment and enigmatic allure motivate his reckless behavior.

VII

Sends a note to Alexei commanding him to stop his duel plans, revealing her influence over him and her complex ties to De Griers.

VIII

Discussed extensively; Alexei believes she is a slave to De Griers and is involved in the schemes surrounding the General's marriage and inheritance.

IX

Present during the Grandmother's arrival; she translates for Mr. Astley and exchanges a tense look with the Grandmother.

The Grandmother Visits the Casino

Remains hidden among the spectators with the General and others.

XII

Called by the Grandmother; confirms the General's engagement to Mlle. Blanche; declines immediate departure with the Grandmother due to her siblings.

XIII

Appears at the end of the chapter, seated in Alexei's room in the semidarkness.

XIV

Waiting in Alexei's room; he returns to her with his winnings.

XV

In a hysterical state, rejects Alexei's money and declares she hates him; later flees to Mr. Astley's rooms.

XVII

Mentioned as still caring for Alexei; Astley was sent by her to check on him.