The House of the Dead · Character

Akim Akimitch

An orphan raised on military discipline, he keeps Christmas in prison with the same rigid propriety he once kept a barracks — and once dared to think for himself.

supporting

Also known as this Akim Akimitch, M., Tea Akim Akimitch, M. Akim Akimitch, Meanwhile M., Besides M.

First appearance: II: First Impressions

As a supporting figure in The House of the Dead, Akim Akimitch is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A fellow upper-class prisoner, described as tall, lean, dull-witted, and phenomenally honest; he tells the narrator his story of shooting a chieftain.

In the storyII: First ImpressionsOpen this moment free

A former soldier who grew up without a home, Akim Akimitch has replaced desire with rule and ritual, saving a new suit for months just to wear it on Christmas Day. He stuffs and roasts the holiday pig with anticipatory reverence, as though it were a sacred object rather than dinner. His single attempt at independent judgment landed him in prison, and he has never risked another — a quiet warning about what prison does to a man's will.

See Akim Akimitch in II: First Impressions Book page

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Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Servants and orderly types
Protagonist
Tragic and supporting figures
Diverse prison community
Skilled and specialized convicts
Storytellers and lovers

+17 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents a profound psychological reversal: the narrator, a…

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In the story

Akim Akimitch appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: First Impressions
A fellow upper-class prisoner, described as tall, lean, dull-witted, and phenomenally honest; he tells the narrator his story of shooting a chieftain.
IV: First Impressions
The head convict in the room, who occasionally shouts at other convicts but is met with jeers.
The First Month
Described as the kindest and friendliest convict, who recommends Osip to cook for the narrator.
VI: The First Month
Helps the narrator settle in, shares tea, and works on a quilt but cannot provide insights into convict characters.
VII: New Acquaintances. Petrov
Points out a convict barber to the narrator, helping him avoid the painful prison barbers.
X: Christmas
Meticulously prepares for the holiday, cooks a sucking-pig, says prayers, and helps distribute offerings. He exchanges Christmas greetings with the narrator.
Prison Animals
Consulted about the possibility of gilding Vaska's horns; he deems it possible but not lasting or useful.
Comrades
Described as an absolutely indifferent convict who has established himself permanently in prison; his calm demeanor depresses the narrator.
Comrades
A political prisoner of noble character, but mistrustful and self-controlled; the narrator respects him but cannot feel affection.
IX: An Escape
Becomes a corporal under the new prison regulations.
X: How I Left Prison
The narrator says goodbye to Akim Akimitch, who still has a long sentence ahead.

Chapter companion notes

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See Akim Akimitch in II: First Impressions