The Secret City · Character

Ivan Andreievitch

An ageing Englishman nicknamed Durdles, he lodges with the Markovitches, listens to Vera's confessions, and narrates the tangle of love and weakness around him.

supporting

Also known as Ivan, Dear Ivan Andreievitch

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Secret City, Ivan Andreievitch is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Ivan is the narrator, reflecting on Bohun's state and the evening's events.

In the storyIXOpen this moment free

See Ivan Andreievitch in IX Book page

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Ivan Andreievitch is the quiet English boarder who becomes, by Christmas, a member of the Markovitch family — patronised by Boris, treated with friendly indifference by Nina, trusted by Vera. Past the age of romance, he offers Vera the comprehension and fidelity she cannot find in her husband or her lover, and she pours out to him her self-contempt, her passion for Sherry, and her despair at her own softness. His patient, self-deprecating presence anchors the flat's emotional storms and gives the story its observing conscience.

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See Ivan Andreievitch in I

Character Web

23 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central family and associates
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Vera’s interna…

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Relationships

Nina Michailovna
family · positive
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and… How this plays out →
Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov
friendship · positive
Vera Michailovna
family · positive
Vera Michailovna
family · positive
Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov
friendship · positive
Nina Michailovna
family · positive
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and… How this plays out →
Nina Michailovna
family · positive
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and… How this plays out →

Nina Michailovna
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and protection.
Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov
Alexei and Ivan share a respectful friendship, often discussing politics and philosophy.
Vera Michailovna
Ivan is a protective elder relative of Vera, often concerned for her wellbeing.
Vera Michailovna
Ivan is a protective elder relative of Vera, often concerned for her wellbeing.
Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov
Alexei and Ivan share a respectful friendship, often discussing politics and philosophy.
Nina Michailovna
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and protection.
Nina Michailovna
Ivan is a relative or close family friend of Nina, offering paternal advice and protection.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Ivan Andreievitch in I

In the story

Ivan Andreievitch appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IX
Ivan is the narrator, reflecting on Bohun's state and the evening's events. He joins Vera and Bohun on the walk to the cinema, observing the atmosphere and Bohun's transformation.
Markovitch's Confidences
The narrator, who listens to Markovitch's confessions and reflects on his own passive interest in life.
XX
Narrator who is drawn into conversation with Semyonov, pleads with him to leave Vera and Lawrence alone, and listens to Semyonov's story.
XXII
Narrator and observer of the party; notices tensions and the exchange between Vera and Lawrence.
I
The narrator, to whom Markovitch writes a note after the confrontation.
III
Durward addresses him in his thoughts; Vera calls him by this name during their conversation.
IV
Narrates the encounter, resists Semyonov's pressure, and asserts his determination to stay.
Nina's Day
Present in the background; Nina notices him reading a paper during her conversation with Semyonov.
XI
The listener to Markovitch's story; the narrator of the book.
XII
Narrates the chapter; defends Lawrence and argues with Semyonov.
IV
The narrator, who visits Grogoff to persuade Nina to return home and reflects on the revolutionary atmosphere.
VII
The narrator, who walks with Markovitch to the church and tries to comfort him.
VIII
Present at the Easter meal, happy and oblivious to the tensions around him.
XI
The narrator, who decides to leave his apartment and confronts Semyonov about his behavior.
XII
Mentioned as going to bed that night, but not directly involved in the events.
XIV
The narrator, who receives Vera's confession and observes the meeting, including Grogoff and the Rat.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ivan Andreievitch in I

See Ivan Andreievitch in IX