The Little Demon · Character

Varvara

Peredonov's cousin and would-be wife, who trades on a princess's phantom promise to keep a paranoid man tethered to her.

supporting

Also known as Varvara Dmitrievna, Varvara Dmitrievna Maloshina, Varya, Vara

First appearance: I

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

Listed among the characters depicted in the novel.

In the storyAuthor's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908Open this moment free

See Varvara in Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908 Book page

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Varvara wants the marriage, and she wants the inspector's post she claims Princess Volchanskaya will arrange once the knot is tied—though the princess, inconveniently, is never quite findable. She listens to gossip about Sasha with apprehension, measuring rivals and rumors alike. Her scheming is small-scale and domestic, but it feeds directly into Peredonov's mounting suspicion that everyone, including her, is deceiving him.

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See Varvara in I

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended cast of townspeople
Protagonist
Peredonov's social circle
Merchant and local acquaintances

+2 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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In the story

Varvara appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

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
Allegedly convinced others that Peredonov had cause for his actions and interested Princess Volchanskaya in his fate.
The Little Demon
Varvara is caught in the crossfire of Peredonov's paranoid accusations and erratic behavior.
I
Peredonov's cousin; he claims she received the Princess's promise, but others doubt her reliability.
II
Anxiously prepares tarts, defends herself against Peredonov's accusations, and is angered by his threats to marry Marta.
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.
V
Informs Peredonov about Natashka's job with the gendarmes; uses nettle friction to appear plumper; hosts visitors; distressed by Peredonov's absence.
VII
Grumbles at Peredonov for not coming home, gives him the forged letter, claims she burned the envelope, trembles under suspicion.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned by Peredonov as his cousin and intended bride, central to the rumors he seeks to dispel.
IX
At home, uses persuasion to urge Peredonov to marry her, but he remains indecisive.
XI
Visits Grushina, hears the rumor about Pilnikov being a girl, and later tells Peredonov out of malice.
XVIII
Waits at home for Peredonov; her card-laying and smile fuel his paranoia about bewitchment.
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
Varvara excitedly reports the cat with rattles sent by Irishka, appearing untidy and agitated.
XXIII
Marries Peredonov, becomes more assured and independent, makes social visits with a ridiculous hat, and shows pride and awkwardness.
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
Suffers from Peredonov's glue prank, answers for him about the inspector job, and hides behind doors to mock him.
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.
XXXII
Smiles knowingly during the supper, participates in taunting Peredonov, and flees in horror after the murder.

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See Varvara in I

See Varvara in Author's Preface to the Second Russian Edition, 1908