# Matryóna — The Power of Darkness character guide

> Matryóna in The Power of Darkness by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Matryóna Hush, Matryóna Have, Mother Matryóna, Matryóna Sitting, Matryóna Whispers, old Granny Matryóna, Granny Matryóna, Matryóna Laughs

**First appearance:** 0002-act-i

## Snapshot

Nikíta's mother, a smiling, wheedling schemer who supplies Anísya with powders and arguments, and who can disown any sin the moment it threatens to touch her.

## Who they are

Matryóna moves through the village swapping gossip and quiet arrangements, pressing Anísya toward a fatal solution to Peter's grip on the household money. She offers tea, powders, and reassurance in the same breath, then vows she never gave anything and never heard of such things. Her cheerful ruthlessness gives the play its most chilling voice, turning private desperation into shared guilt.

## Relationships

### [Nikíta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters/nikita)

_family_

Matryóna is Nikíta's mother, who actively encourages his immoral behavior and manipulates him for her own gain.

### [Peter Ignátitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters/peter_ignatitch)

_social_

Matryóna is a neighbor and occasional helper in Peter's household, but she secretly plots against him with Anísya.

### [Anísya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters/anisya)

_psychological_

Matryóna manipulates Anísya into poisoning her husband, acting as a cunning and ruthless accomplice.

### [Akoulína](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters/akoulina)

_psychological_

Matryóna treats Akoulína with contempt and uses her as a pawn in her schemes, contributing to Akoulína's ruin.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters/matryona
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_power_of_darkness_se/characters