# Sophia Antonovna — Under Western Eyes character guide

> Sophia Antonovna in Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Antonovna

**First appearance:** 0007-part-ii-i

## Snapshot

A grey-haired, crimson-bloused veteran of the revolutionary movement, whose plain speech and unsparing judgment cut through the émigrés' posturing.

## Who they are

Sophia Antonovna is a much-trusted woman revolutionist who slips in and out of Russia on secret errands and reports on Natalia Haldin with warm admiration for her faithful soul and undaunted spirit. Blunt, observant, and free of Peter Ivanovitch's vanity, she treats the cause as work rather than theater. Her sharp eye and willingness to speak plainly make her a quiet but decisive presence in the Geneva circle, and her curiosity about Razumov's journal helps bring the truth to light.

## Relationships

### [Razumov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/razumov)

_friendship_

Sophia Antonovna, a revolutionary, initially trusts Razumov but later suspects his betrayal.

### [Miss Haldin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/miss_haldin)

_friendship_

Miss Haldin and Sophia Antonovna share a bond of mutual respect and revolutionary sympathy.

### [Razumov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/razumov)

_friendship_

Sophia Antonovna, a revolutionary, initially trusts Razumov but later suspects his betrayal.

### [Razumov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/razumov)

_friendship_

Sophia Antonovna, a revolutionary, initially trusts Razumov but later suspects his betrayal.

### [Miss Haldin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/miss_haldin)

_friendship_

Miss Haldin and Sophia Antonovna share a bond of mutual respect and revolutionary sympathy.

### [Miss Haldin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/miss_haldin)

_friendship_

Miss Haldin and Sophia Antonovna share a bond of mutual respect and revolutionary sympathy.

## In the story

### [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/author-s-note)

Described as wrong-headed, not exhibited as a monster.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iii-iii)

Sophia Antonovna interrogates Razumov about Haldin, shares her personal revolutionary history, and represents the true spirit of destructive revolution.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-ii)

Opens the door at Peter Ivanovitch's room; described as a short, black-eyed woman in a red blouse with white hair.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-iii)

Sophia Antonovna is referenced as having spoken with Razumov and later with Natalia, sending greetings and preparing to leave Geneva.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-iv)

Mentioned as having brought news from St. Petersburg that made Razumov feel safe.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/chapters/part-iv-v)

Visits Razumov and recounts his confession and later life; reveals Nikita's betrayal and Mikulin's role.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters/sophia_antonovna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/under_western_eyes_se/characters