M. Durward

The Secret City

A foreign observer in Petrograd, grappling with the city's atmosphere and his own role as an outsider.

VI

The narrator, who recounts his war experiences, his lameness, and his gradual integration into the Markovitch family.

Chapter VII

Narrator and observer; attends the dinner in honor of Bohun, reflects on the evening's awkwardness.

VIII

Durward narrates the chapter, reflecting on Petrograd's isolation and his own loneliness.

XIII

Narrator who reflects on his past with Semyonov and feels disturbed by his presence.

XIV

The narrator falls ill with a fever and is bedridden, experiencing delirious dreams and nightmares.

XV

Narrator recovering from illness, advising Bohun.

XVI

Narrator and confidant, reflecting on his role and offering support to Vera.

Chapter XVII

The narrator, recovering from illness and venturing out into Petrograd; reflects on the intertwining of public and private history.

Chapter XVIII

Narrator and guest at the Wilderling dinner; recipient of Lawrence's confession.

XIX

Narrator; obsessed with danger, struggles with inaction, searches for a birthday gift for Nina.

XXI

Narrator and observer; sits behind the group at the circus, reflects on Vera's character, and advises Nina.

II

The narrator; experiences depression and vivid war flashbacks during the performance.

III

The narrator; he struggles with self-criticism and his desire to help Vera.

V

The narrator, who walks through Petrograd observing the crowd and later encounters the Rat and Grogoff.

VII

The narrator; observes the emotional dynamics and the eerie quiet of the city; mediates between Vera and Lawrence.

The Rat's Transformation

The narrator, returning home in a state of fear and anxiety, interacts with the Rat.

I

The narrator, who collapses in the Sadovaya and is rescued by an unknown person.

II

Narrator and protagonist, recovering from illness and venturing outside for the first time.

III

Narrator who encounters Nina and learns of the household changes.

V

Narrator recovering from illness; receives Bohun's confidences and Vera's anxious questions about Nina.

VI

Narrator; reflects on the political atmosphere and the gulf between Russia and the West; observes Vera's struggles.

VIII

Narrates the chapter, observes the Easter service and the ensuing conflict, and tells Semyonov to leave.

IX

Narrator; reluctantly attends the party; observes the debates; has a brief conversation with Nina.

Chapter X

The narrator, who walks with Bohun, encounters Lawrence, and listens to his confession and plans.

XIII

Narrator and recipient of Markovitch's letter; suffers a severe illness and resolves to return to the Markovitches.

XVI

The narrator, who feels an overwhelming duty toward Markovitch and is haunted by dreams; he follows Markovitch and Semyonov to Katerinhof and witnesses the shooting.