Translators’ Preface
Described as a universal character, a tragicomic figure whose pettiness is gigantic and who embodies the kingdom of evil within.
Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908
Mentioned as the central figure of the novel, with critics suggesting the author portrayed himself through this character.
Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908
Listed among the characters depicted in the novel.
Author's Preface to the Fifth Russian Edition, 1909
Rumored to have been released from the psychiatric hospital and possibly joined the police or turned to literary criticism.
Author's Preface to the Fifth Russian Edition, 1909
Allegedly convinced others that Peredonov had cause for his actions and interested Princess Volchanskaya in his fate.
Author's Introduction to the English Edition
Referenced as the central portrait of the all-human inclination towards evil and perverse soul.
The Little Demon
Peredonov's paranoia escalates as he is tormented by the nedotikomka and believes his colleagues and acquaintances are plotting against him.
The Little Demon
Varvara is caught in the crossfire of Peredonov's paranoid accusations and erratic behavior.
I
Stands among friends after Mass, boastfully claims the Princess promised him a job if he marries Varvara, but is easily swayed by Routilov's suggestions and Vershina's manipulations.
I
Peredonov's cousin; he claims she received the Princess's promise, but others doubt her reliability.
II
Returns home suspicious of poisoning, taunts Varvara about the Princess and Marta, spits in her face, and grows paranoid that Volodin intends to poison him.
II
Anxiously prepares tarts, defends herself against Peredonov's accusations, and is angered by his threats to marry Marta.
III
Dances mechanically with Ershova, joins Volodin in vandalism and mock funeral, then throws money at Varvara for a wedding dress.
III
Watches the dancing, encourages Volodin's mischief, picks up money thrown by Peredonov, and later plots with Grushina to forge a letter from the Princess.
IV
Waits in the garden, vacillates between the three Routilov sisters, performs a counter-charm against bewitchment, and ultimately refuses to marry.
V
Paranoid about forbidden books, hides them; plays cards badly; fears enemies blocking his inspectorship; mocks Volodin; returns home irritable.
V
Informs Peredonov about Natashka's job with the gendarmes; uses nettle friction to appear plumper; hosts visitors; distressed by Peredonov's absence.
VI
Visits Vershina's garden, agrees to go to the village with Marta and Vladya, makes bigoted remarks, insults Marta, and threatens Vladya with birching.
VII
Attends church, teases Misha Koudryavtsev, receives forged letter, shows it to Vershina, becomes suspicious of Varvara, plans visits to important personages.
VII
Grumbles at Peredonov for not coming home, gives him the forged letter, claims she burned the envelope, trembles under suspicion.
Chapter VIII
Visits the Mayor to complain about slanders and seek his support, revealing his paranoia and social anxiety.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned by Peredonov as his cousin and intended bride, central to the rumors he seeks to dispel.
IX
Visits Avinovitsky to complain about enemies and rumors; suspects Grushina; tormented by fears and indecision about marriage.
IX
At home, uses persuasion to urge Peredonov to marry her, but he remains indecisive.
Chapter X
Visits Kirillov and Veriga to discuss rumors and his prospects for an inspector position; feels confused and oppressed by the responses.
XI
Visits the Police Commissioner to complain about rumors and insinuate against young officials; later learns about Pilnikov and becomes curious.
XI
Visits Grushina, hears the rumor about Pilnikov being a girl, and later tells Peredonov out of malice.
XII
Attends Vespers, spies on students, fixates on Sasha, wanders streets in paranoia, visits Sasha's lodgings, interrogates him, and later visits Vershina to report the tarring.
XIII
Visits the Headmaster to accuse Sasha Pilnikov of being a girl in disguise, then spreads the rumor to colleagues.
XV
Acts as matchmaker for Volodin, grows paranoid about Volodin's intentions after the rejection.
XVIII
Visits Goudayevsky's home to complain about Antosha, later returns at night in response to Julia's note, then returns home paranoid and haunted by the nedotikomka.
XVIII
Waits at home for Peredonov; her card-laying and smile fuel his paranoia about bewitchment.
XIX
Shows signs of paranoia and confusion; confronts Headmaster, is followed by Kramarenko, and visits Vershina's home.
XX
Attends the club, is struck by Goudayevsky, confronts the headmaster, blinds card faces in paranoia, and is terrified by the return of the hat.
XX
Steals and burns the first forged letter at Grushina's insistence, lies to Peredonov about it, and receives the cursed hat from a red-haired boy.
Chapter XXI
Peredonov shows the Princess's letter, acts morosely, fears spies, and guards the letter zealously.
Chapter XXI
Varvara excitedly reports the cat with rattles sent by Irishka, appearing untidy and agitated.
XXIII
Paranoid and dejected, tries to distinguish himself from Volodin by getting a Spanish-style haircut, marries Varvara amid fear and hostility, and remains haunted by the nedotikomka.
XXIII
Marries Peredonov, becomes more assured and independent, makes social visits with a ridiculous hat, and shows pride and awkwardness.
Chapter XXIV
Plagued by paranoid fears of the nedotikomka and enemies; hides knives, avoids meat, and fabricates stories about the Princess.
Chapter XXIV
Anxiously awaits return visits, encourages Peredonov's delusions out of spite, and feels socially inadequate after the Headmaster's wife visits.
Chapter XXV
Descends deeper into madness, burning cards, stabbing wallpaper, and writing denunciations; writes a letter to the Princess.
Chapter XXV
Suffers from Peredonov's glue prank, answers for him about the inspector job, and hides behind doors to mock him.
XXVII
Descends further into madness, hallucinating, slandering everyone, and obsessing over Sasha and Volodin.
XXVII
Observes Peredonov's rage with malicious amusement, believing he is merely angry about being fooled.
XXVIII
Composes an anonymous letter about Sasha and Liudmilla with Grushina.
XXIX
Sits alone at the window, feeling that all people and objects are senseless and hostile; is approached and taunted by the Routilov sisters.
The Masked Ball and the Fire
Haunted by the nedotikomka, he sets fire to the Club House's dining-room curtain, causing the building to burn down.
XXXII
Learns of the forgery, becomes consumed by rage and paranoia, and murders Volodin.
XXXII
Smiles knowingly during the supper, participates in taunting Peredonov, and flees in horror after the murder.
