# Vera Michailovna — The Secret City character guide > Vera Michailovna in The Secret City by Hugh Walpole. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Vera **First appearance:** 0003-part-i-vera-and-nina ## Who they are A woman of grave beauty and quiet independence, she presides over her household with a soul the narrator senses is still asleep and untouched. ## Relationships ### [Nina Michailovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/nina_michailovna) _family_ Sisters with a deep, complex bond, often protective and confiding in each other. ### [Nicholas Markovitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/nicholas_markovitch) _romantic_ Nicholas is deeply in love with Vera, but their relationship is fraught with tension and unspoken feelings. ### [Jerry Lawrence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/jerry_lawrence) _romantic_ Jerry is a foreign admirer of Vera, creating a love triangle with Nicholas. ### [Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/alexei_petrovitch_semyonov) _friendship_ Alexei is a loyal friend to Vera, offering counsel and emotional support. ### [Henry Bohun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/henry_bohun) _romantic_ Henry is infatuated with Vera, pursuing her aggressively despite her mixed signals. ### [Ivan Andreievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/ivan_andreievitch) _family_ Ivan is a protective elder relative of Vera, often concerned for her wellbeing. ### [Nina Michailovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/nina_michailovna) _family_ Sisters with a deep, complex bond, often protective and confiding in each other. ### [Nina Michailovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/nina_michailovna) _family_ Sisters with a deep, complex bond, often protective and confiding in each other. ### [Ivan Andreievitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/ivan_andreievitch) _family_ Ivan is a protective elder relative of Vera, often concerned for her wellbeing. ### [Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/alexei_petrovitch_semyonov) _friendship_ Alexei is a loyal friend to Vera, offering counsel and emotional support. ### [Alexei Petrovitch Semyonov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/alexei_petrovitch_semyonov) _friendship_ Alexei is a loyal friend to Vera, offering counsel and emotional support. ### [Nicholas Markovitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/nicholas_markovitch) _romantic_ Nicholas is deeply in love with Vera, but their relationship is fraught with tension and unspoken feelings. ## In the story ### [The Secret City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/the-secret-city) A Russian woman whose interactions with the foreigners highlight cultural and emotional tensions. ### [Part I: Vera and Nina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/part-i-vera-and-nina) Introduced as a reflective and observant sister, likely to play a key role in the unfolding drama. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as someone the narrator has known intimately. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi) Described as a fine, strong woman with dark eyes and black hair, who offers the narrator friendship and understanding. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vii) Hostess; busy preparing dinner, expresses misgivings about Bohun's visit. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/viii) Vera is agitated and confides in Durward about her husband's drinking and Nina's rebellious behavior, showing a vulnerable side. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ix) Vera shows motherly kindness to Bohun, gently asking about his home and life, and taking him to the cinema. Her natural strength and protection of weaker souls is highlighted. ### [Markovitch's Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/x) Mentioned as the object of Markovitch's love; he believes she could inspire him to achieve great things. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xii) Quietly happy and subdued, her soul seemingly asleep; she fulfills Bohun's standards but is not truly known by him. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiii) Serves tea at the party and greets her uncle Semyonov with forced cheerfulness. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xv) Object of Bohun's affection; has visited Durward during illness. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvi) Visits Durdles, confesses her fears about losing Nina and her troubled marriage. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvii) Visits Durward twice, kind and good but no longer confiding. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xviii) Object of Lawrence's love; he is concerned about her unhappiness and fear. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xix) Mentioned as not seen by Durward for a fortnight; she sends the invitation to Nina's party. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as the object of Lawrence's love and Semyonov's potential target for manipulation. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xxi) Quiet but appears happier than usual; Durward admires her nobility and gentleness. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xxii) Anxious and tired; exchanges a significant look with Lawrence that reveals their connection. ### [Part II: Lawrence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/part-ii-lawrence) Lawrence's love interest; her confession of love is a key emotional moment. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii) Referenced as the object of Lawrence's love; her reciprocal feelings cause Lawrence's inner conflict. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iii) Durward visits Vera; she is initially cold and severe, then becomes furious when Lawrence is mentioned, and finally breaks down sobbing. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iv) Referenced by Semyonov as part of his family that Durward should leave alone. ### [Nina's Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi) Nina's sister, seen as a mother figure; Nina struggles with jealousy and guilt over possibly betraying her. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vii) Cold and distant toward Lawrence and the narrator; later confesses her love for Lawrence and seeks the narrator's friendship. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ix) Mentioned as having gone to the Astoria with Nina; Bohun is worried for her safety. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xi) Markovitch's wife; his love for her is intertwined with his feelings about Russia. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xii) Struggles with her pride and maternal instinct as she realizes her love for Lawrence; tries to maintain loyalty to Nina and Nicholas. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiii) Vera is the object of Lawrence's love and concern; he resolves to reach her after Wilderling's death. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiv) Enters the flat agitated, meets Lawrence, and engages in a passionate embrace with him. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as someone Durward wonders about, but who has not visited him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as having tried to visit Durward and as hating Semyonov's presence but agreeing to it. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/iv) Vera is distraught over Nina's departure and begs Ivan to bring her back. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/v) Waits for Durward with impatience; reacts defiantly to Nina's message about the Thursday in Revolution week. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/vi) Struggles with her love for Lawrence and her duties to Nina and Nicholas; delays confessing to Nicholas; devastated by Nina's flight; harbors lifelong hatred for Semyonov. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/viii) Defends Nicholas, openly admits her love for another man, and follows Nicholas after his outburst. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/x) Lawrence reveals that Vera is nearly out of her mind with worry about him, Nina, and Nicholas, and that she insists Lawrence must leave. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as having begged Semyonov to go away, and as one of the people he has harmed. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xii) Mentioned as the object of Markovitch's affection and Semyonov's manipulation, though not present in the chapter. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiii) Confesses her love for Lawrence to Markovitch; is kind to him but decides Lawrence should leave Russia. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xiv) Visits the narrator to discuss her love for Lawrence and her decision to send him away, expressing deep emotional conflict and self-contempt. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xv) Nina's sister; her failed attempts to bring Nina back motivate Bohun to act. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/chapters/xvi) Mentioned in Markovitch's dying words; he says 'Vera' as he collapses. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters/vera_michailovna - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_secret_city_se/characters