Sasha Pilnikov

Liudmilla

Liudmilla is obsessively infatuated with the young Sasha, engaging in a predatory and eroticized relationship.

Olga Kokovkina

Olga Kokovkina is a young woman who develops a romantic interest in Sasha, but her feelings are unreciprocated.

Peredonov

Peredonov views Sasha with irrational jealousy and suspicion, seeing him as a threat to his position.

Nikolai Khripatch

Khripatch is a teacher who interacts with Sasha as a student, showing a mix of concern and suspicion.

Liudmilla

Liudmilla is obsessively infatuated with the young Sasha, engaging in a predatory and eroticized relationship.

Liudmilla

Liudmilla is obsessively infatuated with the young Sasha, engaging in a predatory and eroticized relationship.

Olga Kokovkina

Olga Kokovkina is a young woman who develops a romantic interest in Sasha, but her feelings are unreciprocated.

Peredonov

Peredonov views Sasha with irrational jealousy and suspicion, seeing him as a threat to his position.

Nikolai Khripatch

Khripatch is a teacher who interacts with Sasha as a student, showing a mix of concern and suspicion.

Peredonov

Peredonov views Sasha with irrational jealousy and suspicion, seeing him as a threat to his position.

Olga Kokovkina

Olga Kokovkina is a young woman who develops a romantic interest in Sasha, but her feelings are unreciprocated.

Nikolai Khripatch

Khripatch is a teacher who interacts with Sasha as a student, showing a mix of concern and suspicion.

Translators’ Preface

Referenced as part of the beautiful Sasha-Liudmilla episode that contrasts with the Peredonovian atmosphere.

Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908

Listed among the characters depicted in the novel as Aleksandr Pilnikov.

XII

Prays earnestly at Vespers, is watched by Peredonov; later at supper with Kokovkina, is interrogated by Peredonov and feels trapped and angry.

XIII

The new student accused by Peredonov of being a girl; later questioned by the Headmaster about his tiredness and bursts into tears.

XIV

The subject of Liudmilla's visit; he is shy, blushes easily, and is the object of her romantic and erotic interest.

XVI

Becomes the object of Liudmilla's attention, enjoys her company, and begins to develop premature desires.

XVII

Sasha is drawn to Liudmilla, feeling both happy and uneasy. He participates in her games, kisses her hand, and is intrigued by the perfumes she shares.

XVIII

Appears in Peredonov's nightmare, beckoning and leading him through dark streets.

XXVI

Fascinated by Liudmilla, experiences shame and desire, participates in dressing up and intimate acts.

XXVII

Teased by classmates about Liudmilla; becomes the target of Peredonov's accusations and insults.

XXVIII

Caught cross-dressing at Liudmilla's; questioned by Khripatch; sneaks out to the masked ball.

XXIX

Dressed as a Geisha, attracts many admirers and receives numerous cards, coquetting furiously.

The Masked Ball and the Fire

Disguised as the Geisha, he is attacked at the ball, rescued by Bengalsky, and taken to the Routilovs; later returns home safely.

XXXI

The young nephew who joyfully greets his aunt but is distressed by the accusations; he maintains his innocence.