The Little Demon · Character

Natalya Vershina

A black-wrapped landowner who lures Peredonov into damp summerhouses to feed him truths he would rather spit on.

supporting

Also known as Natalya Afanasyevna Vershina, Vershina, Natalya

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Little Demon, Natalya Vershina is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A dark, black-clad woman who invites Peredonov into her garden and subtly undermines his trust in Varvara, hinting that Marta would be a better match.

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Vershina smokes black cigarettes in a black kerchief and speaks with malicious joy, telling Peredonov he has been fooled and savoring every word. She is one of the town's many agents of quiet cruelty, offering…

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See Natalya Vershina in I

Character Web

27 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Haunting and matchmaking figures
Peredonov's social circle
Extended cast of townspeople
Matchmakers and servants
School officials and tradesmen

+22 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 climax because Sasha’s internal conflict—between shame and obsessive desire—peaks into…

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Relationships

Peredonov
romantic · ambivalent
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping… How this plays out →
Marta
social · ambivalent
Peredonov
romantic · ambivalent
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping… How this plays out →
Marta
social · ambivalent
Peredonov
romantic · ambivalent
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping… How this plays out →
Marta
social · ambivalent

Peredonov
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping to marry him.
Marta
Marta and Natalya are acquaintances who interact primarily through their shared connection to Peredonov.
Peredonov
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping to marry him.
Marta
Marta and Natalya are acquaintances who interact primarily through their shared connection to Peredonov.
Peredonov
Natalya Vershina is a persistent and manipulative romantic pursuer of Peredonov, hoping to marry him.
Marta
Marta and Natalya are acquaintances who interact primarily through their shared connection to Peredonov.

Relationship notes

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

See Natalya Vershina in I

In the story

Natalya Vershina appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
A dark, black-clad woman who invites Peredonov into her garden and subtly undermines his trust in Varvara, hinting that Marta would be a better match.
VI
Entices Peredonov into her garden, persuades him to accompany Marta and Vladya, scolds Vladya harshly, and suggests he needs birching.
VII
Stands at her gate smoking, receives Peredonov, questions the letter's authenticity by asking for the envelope, later laughs at Peredonov's doubt.
IX
Entices Peredonov with invitations to play billiards.
XII
Her gate is tarred by Cherepnin's hired boys; she reacts with anger and a wry smile, while Marta weeps.
XIX
Invites Peredonov in, hosts Mourin and Vitkevitch, and is trying to arrange a match between Marta and Mourin.
Chapter XXI
Vershina is disappointed by Peredonov's news, losing hope of marrying Marta to him.
XXXII
Lures Peredonov into the garden and reveals the truth about the forged letters with malicious joy.

Chapter companion notes

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See Natalya Vershina in I