The Return of Tarzan · Character

Nikolas Rokoff

A Russian schemer whose wounded vanity curdles into patient, methodical vengeance against the stranger who humiliated him twice.

major

Also known as Rokoff, Monsieur Rokoff

First appearance: The Affair on the Liner

As a major figure in The Return of Tarzan, Nikolas Rokoff is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Masterminds the plot to frame Count de Coude and threatens Tarzan afterward.

In the storyThe Affair on the LinerOpen this moment free

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Rokoff moves through first-class decks and Parisian salons with the polish of a man who knows how to use other people's secrets. When Tarzan wrenches him from a veiled woman's wrist and hurls his revolver into the Atlantic, Rokoff does not rage for long — he calculates, and his threats are promises. His vendetta supplies the engine of the plot, turning Tarzan's chivalry into a liability and drawing everyone near him into danger.

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Character Web

3 connections

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Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

European Villains and Schemers
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

Tarzan's desperate rescue of Jane from the sacrificial altar represents the emotional and psychological peak a…

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Relationships

Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Nikolas Rokoff is Tarzan's bitter and murderous enemy, constantly plotting revenge and… How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Nikolas Rokoff is Tarzan's bitter and murderous enemy, constantly plotting revenge and… How this plays out →
Tarzan
rivalry · negative
Nikolas Rokoff is Tarzan's bitter and murderous enemy, constantly plotting revenge and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Nikolas Rokoff in The Affair on the Liner

In the story

Nikolas Rokoff appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Affair on the Liner
Masterminds the plot to frame Count de Coude and threatens Tarzan afterward.
II: Forging Bonds of Hate and ⸻?
Threatens and physically assaults a young woman; is confronted and humiliated by Tarzan.
III: What Happened in the Rue Maule
Rokoff orchestrates the ambush in the Rue Maule, waiting outside to ensure Tarzan's death but fleeing when the plan fails.
IV: The Countess Explains
Observes Tarzan at the opera, threatens Countess de Coude after Tarzan's visit, and continues his scheme to obtain state secrets.
The Plot That Failed
Brother of Countess de Coude, plots with Paulvitch to trap Tarzan, is confronted and forced to write a confession and promise silence.
VI: A Duel
Mentioned as the author of the written confession that Tarzan uses to exonerate the countess.
IX: Numa El Adrea
Implied to be behind the plot of hired assassins following Tarzan, though not physically present in the chapter.
X: Through the Valley of the Shadow
Implied as the orchestrator of Tarzan's capture and intended death.
John Caldwell, London
Blackmails Lieutenant Gernois for money and military secrets; disguises himself as an Arab; nearly discovered by Tarzan.
Ships That Pass
Disguised as Monsieur Thuran on the yacht; steals Tarzan's official documents with Paulvitch and orchestrates Tarzan's being thrown overboard.
XIV: Back to the Primitive
Throws Tarzan overboard and steals the papers Tarzan had taken from him at Bou Saada.
From Ape to Savage
Rokoff is mentioned as Tarzan's enemy, whom Tarzan wishes he could kill in the jungle; Rokoff is simultaneously ingratiating himself with Hazel Strong.
The Passing of the Ape-Man
Attempts to shoot Tarzan but is disarmed and handed over to French authorities.

Chapter companion notes

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See Nikolas Rokoff in The Affair on the Liner