# M. Durward — The Secret City character guide > M. Durward in The Secret City by Hugh Walpole. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** Durward **First appearance:** 0028-ii ## Who they are A French or foreign character, possibly a diplomat or businessman. ## In the story ### [The Secret City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/the-secret-city) A foreign observer in Petrograd, grappling with the city's atmosphere and his own role as an outsider. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi) The narrator, who recounts his war experiences, his lameness, and his gradual integration into the Markovitch family. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vii) Narrator and observer; attends the dinner in honor of Bohun, reflects on the evening's awkwardness. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/viii) Durward narrates the chapter, reflecting on Petrograd's isolation and his own loneliness. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiii) Narrator who reflects on his past with Semyonov and feels disturbed by his presence. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiv) The narrator falls ill with a fever and is bedridden, experiencing delirious dreams and nightmares. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xv) Narrator recovering from illness, advising Bohun. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvi) Narrator and confidant, reflecting on his role and offering support to Vera. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvii) The narrator, recovering from illness and venturing out into Petrograd; reflects on the intertwining of public and private history. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xviii) Narrator and guest at the Wilderling dinner; recipient of Lawrence's confession. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xix) Narrator; obsessed with danger, struggles with inaction, searches for a birthday gift for Nina. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xxi) Narrator and observer; sits behind the group at the circus, reflects on Vera's character, and advises Nina. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii) The narrator; experiences depression and vivid war flashbacks during the performance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iii) The narrator; he struggles with self-criticism and his desire to help Vera. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/v) The narrator, who walks through Petrograd observing the crowd and later encounters the Rat and Grogoff. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vii) The narrator; observes the emotional dynamics and the eerie quiet of the city; mediates between Vera and Lawrence. ### [The Rat's Transformation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/x) The narrator, returning home in a state of fear and anxiety, interacts with the Rat. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/i) The narrator, who collapses in the Sadovaya and is rescued by an unknown person. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii) Narrator and protagonist, recovering from illness and venturing outside for the first time. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iii) Narrator who encounters Nina and learns of the household changes. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/v) Narrator recovering from illness; receives Bohun's confidences and Vera's anxious questions about Nina. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi) Narrator; reflects on the political atmosphere and the gulf between Russia and the West; observes Vera's struggles. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/viii) Narrates the chapter, observes the Easter service and the ensuing conflict, and tells Semyonov to leave. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ix) Narrator; reluctantly attends the party; observes the debates; has a brief conversation with Nina. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/x) The narrator, who walks with Bohun, encounters Lawrence, and listens to his confession and plans. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiii) Narrator and recipient of Markovitch's letter; suffers a severe illness and resolves to return to the Markovitches. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/m_durward - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters