Claudius Bombarnac

Kinko

Claudius Bombarnac, the journalist, befriends Kinko and often accompanies him on the journey.

Major Noltitz

Claudius Bombarnac and Major Noltitz are friendly acquaintances, often discussing the journey.

Zinca Klork

Claudius Bombarnac and Zinca Klork are fellow passengers with occasional conversation.

Kinko

Claudius Bombarnac, the journalist, befriends Kinko and often accompanies him on the journey.

Major Noltitz

Claudius Bombarnac and Major Noltitz are friendly acquaintances, often discussing the journey.

Zinca Klork

Claudius Bombarnac and Zinca Klork are fellow passengers with occasional conversation.

Kinko

Claudius Bombarnac, the journalist, befriends Kinko and often accompanies him on the journey.

I

The special correspondent who receives the telegram and begins his journey.

II

Narrator and special correspondent; reflects on his journey and companions.

Chapter III

The narrator and protagonist, exploring Baku and preparing to board the Astara for the Caspian crossing.

IV

Narrator and reporter, reflects on impressions, observes passengers, and discovers the mysterious case.

Uzun Ada and the Grand Transasiatic

The narrator and reporter for the Twentieth Century, he arrives at Uzun Ada, telegraphs his newspaper, and begins cataloging passengers.

VI

Narrator and journalist; describes the train, passengers, and landscape, and plans to 'minute' his journey.

Kizil Arvat and the Transcaspian Railway

Narrator and special correspondent; meets Major Noltitz and learns about the railway's history.

Chapter VIII

The special correspondent, eager for adventure and discussing the journey's dangers with Major Noltitz.

IX

The narrator and special correspondent, observing passengers and planning to investigate the mortuary parcel.

Merv and the Desert Crossing

Narrator and journalist; explores Merv, sends telegram about Yen Lou, plans to visit the Romanian stowaway.

XI

Narrator and reporter; explores Bokhara and engages in political discussions at breakfast.

XII

Narrator and journalist exploring Samarkand, reflecting on its history and marvels.

XIII

The narrator and reporter who orchestrates a secret interview with Kinko.

XIV

Narrator and reporter; visits Tashkent and Khodjend, thinks of Kinko, and dines with fellow travelers.

XV

Narrator; brings provisions to Kinko, observes Faruskiar's strange behavior, and discusses the Pamir with Major Noltitz.

Chapter XVI

Narrator; observes Faruskiar's revelation, worries about Kinko, explores Kachgar, and dines with companions.

XVII

The narrator and correspondent, frustrated by the lack of sensational events, receives a telegram correcting his earlier report about the train's cargo.

Chapter XVIII

Narrator; arranges witnesses for the wedding; visits Kinko at night.

XIX

Narrator and observer of the wedding ceremony and events.

The Attack in the Gobi

Narrator and participant in the defense, wounded slightly in the shoulder.

The Aftermath of the Attack

Narrates the aftermath, checks on Kinko, and praises Faruskiar.

Chapter XXII

Narrator; reflects on the attack and looks forward to the marriage and Kinko affair; sends a telegram to his newspaper.

XXIII

Narrator and reporter; explores Lan-Tcheou and assists Kinko.

XXIV

Narrator and reporter; overhears Faruskiar's plot and helps Kinko avert disaster.

XXV

Narrator and reporter; reflects on his mistaken hero-worship of Faruskiar and decides to reveal the truth about Kinko's sacrifice.

XXVI

Visits Zinca Klork to break the news of Kinko's death, witnesses Kinko's miraculous reappearance, and attempts to intervene after Kinko's arrest.

XXVII

Narrator and special correspondent; leads the effort to free Kinko and recounts the full story of Kinko's heroism.