The Peasants · Character

Simon the Soltys

The village mayor, blunt and proverb-prone, who speaks hard truths to his neighbors' faces and knows that gossip burns the hands that try to quench it.

supporting

Also known as Simon, Soltys

First appearance: Chapter I

As a supporting figure in The Peasants, Simon the Soltys is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Simon is Yagna's brother, working with her in the cabbage plantation.

In the storyChapter VIOpen this moment free

See Simon the Soltys in Chapter VI Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Simon the Soltys holds the village's official authority, settling disputes and offering unsolicited counsel in the same breath. He tells Boryna frankly that marrying a woman young enough to be his daughter invites scorn, and his warnings prove uncomfortably accurate as the household turns cold. As mayor he stands between the peasants and the outside world of squires and officials, making him a barometer of the community's shifting temper.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Simon the Soltys sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Simon the Soltys in Chapter I

Character Web

54 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Core village community
Extended background villagers

+49 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

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

Chapter VI
Simon is Yagna's brother, working with her in the cabbage plantation.
The Betrothal of Boryna and Yagna
Acts as matchmaker and host at the betrothal party.
VI
Rushes in to summon the Voyt for official business.
The Stirring Against the Germans
Warns Gregory about speaking rashly; his wife opposes the plan.
Chapter I
Simon is the Soltys (village head), present during the Squire's visit and involved in the villagers' discussions about the Squire's intentions.
Chapter V
Broken-hearted after Dominikova refuses him land and cabin; he threatens violence.
Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land
Works relentlessly on his new land, building a hut and preparing for his wedding despite poverty and skepticism.
Chapter XIII
Simon is mentioned as being always in Lipka, burdened with taking care of two farms, and is resented by Dominikova.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Simon the Soltys unlock in the free preview.

See Simon the Soltys in Chapter I

See Simon the Soltys in Chapter VI