The Peasants · Character

Maciej Boryna

The wealthiest farmer in the village, a stubborn patriarch whose late marriage to a young wife sets his children and the whole community against him.

major

Also known as old Boryna, Boryna, Matthias Boryna, Matthias

First appearance: Winter's Onset and Antek's Flight

As a major figure in The Peasants, Maciej Boryna is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a central figure, a wealthy farmer whose decisions shape the community.

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Maciej Boryna holds thirty acres and a name that commands respect, but his decision to marry Yagna has turned his own sons into enemies and made his house a battlefield. He broods over Antek's defiance, the blacksmith's scheming, and the thanklessness of children who want his land before he is cold. Proud, quick to anger, and jealously guarding his authority, he embodies the old peasant order even as his choices hasten its fracture.

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See Maciej Boryna in Winter's Onset and Antek's Flight

Character Web

8 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended background villagers
Minor romantic figures
Core village community

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it forces Yanek to confront the shattering revelation that his ideal…

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In the story

Maciej Boryna appears across 31 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Peasants
Introduced as a central figure, a wealthy farmer whose decisions shape the community.
Autumn
Old Boryna is preparing for the St. Cordula's fair and asserting his authority over his family and farm.
Chapter II
Considers remarrying after losing his cow; walks past Yagna's house and wrestles with the decision.
Chapter III
Drives to Timow for the court case against Eva, quarrels with his son Antek, and gives orders to Yuzka and Vitek before leaving.
V
Files a legal complaint against the manor, flirts with Yagna in the marketplace, and negotiates Kuba's wages.
Chapter VI
Maciej Boryna is the widower who seeks to marry Yagna; his hut's lights are seen across the pond.
Chapter VII
Hosts the betrothal feast at his cabin, inviting guests and offering hospitality.
The Betrothal of Boryna and Yagna
Arranges marriage with Yagna, hosts betrothal party, agrees to land settlement.
Chapter IX: All Souls' Day
Spends the day at Yagna's, avoiding his family after the engagement announcement.
The Bitter Quarrel
Furious with Antek for insulting Yagna, he strikes his son and later orders him out of the house; he proceeds with wedding preparations.
XI
The groom, who gave Yagna coral beads at the 'Unplaiting' and is preparing for the wedding.
Chapter XII
The groom, proud of his wedding, goes around with a bottle and serves the guests.
Winter
Old Boryna is seen preparing for the winter, managing his farm and family amidst the cold.
Winter's Onset and Antek's Flight
Old Boryna is seen driving a sledge with Yagna, representing the prosperity and authority that Antek resents.
Chapter II
Hanka's father-in-law; his cabin is a symbol of lost prosperity and inheritance.
Chapter IV
Dotingly devoted to Yagna, blind to her inner turmoil.
V
Hosts village elders discussing the forest dispute; privately schemes to profit from the situation and leaves for Vola to arbitrate a family land quarrel.
Chapter VI: The Squire's Visit and Winter's Hardships
Refuses to intercede with the Squire for the poor komorniki, confronts Yagna about the apron, and waits impatiently for the Squire to send for him.
VII
Enraged by Yagna's behavior, he drags her home and threatens Antek.
Chapter VIII: The Harsh Winter and Village Life
Stays home continually, forbids his family from going out, but gradually overlooks Yagna's whims; he prepares for the priest's visit and receives news of the court case.
Chapter IX
Old Boryna offers Hanka a ride home and invites her to visit him, showing unexpected kindness.
XI
Discovers the lovers in the haystack, sets it on fire, and attacks Antek with a pitchfork in a rage.
XII
Boryna is absent during the fire investigation, but he has beaten Yagna and turned her out of the house.
Chapter XIII: The Spring of Despair and Defiance
Leads the village in a march to the forest to confront the Squire's logging, showing his authority and resolve.
Spring
Old Boryna is a central figure, his authority and land holdings a source of both stability and strife.
Spring's Return to Lipka
Lies near death, insensible, after the events of the winter.
Chapter II
Lies gravely ill, alternating between unconsciousness and delirious shouts about farming; he briefly rallies to speak privately with Hanka.
Chapter XI
Lying ill, he rises in the night confused, wanders outside in his shirt, and is followed by his dog Lapa.
Summer
Old Boryna, the wealthy farmer, is preoccupied with his land and his new young wife Yagna, whose behavior and the gossip surrounding her threaten his authority and peace.
Chapter I
Matthias Boryna is the deceased, described as an upright and able farmer, the foremost man in Lipka, lying in state before burial.
II
Mentioned as part of the Borynas' household, but not directly active in this chapter.

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See Maciej Boryna in Winter's Onset and Antek's Flight

See Maciej Boryna in The Peasants