# Trotsky — The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism character guide

> Trotsky in The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism by Bertrand Russell.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0001-the-practice-and-theory-of-bolshevism

## Snapshot

Bolshevism's theorist and co-architect, Trotsky embodies the revolutionary will Russell weighs against the grim realities that have already killed hope inside Soviet Russia.

## Who they are

Where Lenin supplies the faith, Trotsky supplies the doctrine, and Russell treats the pair as the twin engines of a movement whose effect is greater abroad than at home. The tension Russell traces is generational: Communists admit there is little hope for adults already formed, pinning everything on children molded to the group-mentality. Trotsky matters to the middle arc because he forces the question of whether the West can reach Socialism by less painful, more certain roads.

## Relationships

### [Lenin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/characters/lenin)

_rivalry_

Lenin and Trotsky were ideological rivals and political competitors within the Bolshevik movement, often clashing over strategy and leadership.

### [Kamenev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/characters/kamenev)

_rivalry_

Kamenev and Trotsky were political rivals within the Bolshevik party, frequently opposing each other on ideological and strategic matters.

### [Gorky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/characters/gorky)

_friendship_

Gorky and Trotsky had a respectful but strained friendship, with Gorky admiring Trotsky's intellect but disagreeing with his radicalism.

## In the story

### [The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/the-practice-and-theory-of-bolshevism)

Mentioned in the context of Bolshevik leadership and revolutionary theory.

### [General Characteristics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/ii-general-characteristics)

Seen at the Opera in Moscow, standing with folded arms, calling for cheers for the Red Army; embodies nationalist sentiment.

### [III: Lenin, Trotsky and Gorky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/iii-lenin-trotsky-and-gorky)

Russell finds Trotsky more impressive in intelligence and personality, with a magnetic and Napoleonic presence, though he suspects his vanity may exceed his love of power.

### [Art and Education](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/iv-art-and-education)

Mentioned alongside Lenin as appearing in propaganda woodcuts as an Aaron-like figure.

### [Part II: Bolshevik Theory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/part-ii-bolshevik-theory)

Key Bolshevik theorist and leader mentioned in the theoretical discussion.

### [III: Bolshevik Criticism of Democracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/iii-bolshevik-criticism-of-democracy)

Implied as a key Bolshevik theorist of revolution, though not directly named.

### [Why Russian Communism Has Failed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/vi-why-russian-communism-has-failed)

Not directly mentioned; omitted.

### [Conditions for the Success of Communism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/chapters/vii-conditions-for-the-success-of-communism)

Not directly mentioned, but the Bolshevik leadership's opposition to self-government in industry is discussed.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/characters/trotsky
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_practice_and_theory_of_bolshevism_se/characters