# Victor Haldin — Under Western Eyes character guide

> Victor Haldin in Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Haldin, Victor Victorovitch, the unfortunate Haldin, the late Victor Haldin, the heroic Haldin

**First appearance:** 0003-under-western-eyes

## Snapshot

The idealistic assassin whose single act of violence and single night of trust in the wrong man set the whole tragedy quietly in motion.

## Who they are

Victor Haldin is the exceptional soul his sister describes—a young revolutionary who has just struck down a hated minister and now needs one safe night's hiding before escape. His serene, almost religious certainty about his cause stands in stark contrast to the panic he ignites in Razumov, the only person he trusts. Though he vanishes from the action early, his absence shapes every choice the survivors make.

## Relationships

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

_family_

Miss Haldin is the devoted sister of Victor Haldin, the executed revolutionary assassin.

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

_family_

Miss Haldin is the devoted sister of Victor Haldin, the executed revolutionary assassin.

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

_family_

Miss Haldin is the devoted sister of Victor Haldin, the executed revolutionary assassin.

## In the story

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

One of the three figures Conrad had a distinct conception of when beginning to write the first part.

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

The assassin seeking refuge; speaks of resignation, the Russian soul, and his revolutionary mission; asks Razumov to contact Ziemianitch for an escape sledge.

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

The revolutionary who sought refuge with Razumov; Razumov views him as a 'sanguinary fanatic' and a threat to the state.

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

Referenced as the man Razumov betrayed; his arrest and brutal treatment are confirmed by a student, and his presence lingers in Razumov's room (the hollow in the pillow).

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

The missing brother, implicated in the assassination of Mr. de P——; his fate is unknown but feared.

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

His letter is quoted, describing a friend as 'unstained, lofty, and solitary existences.'

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

The late brother is remembered as a 'pure enthusiast' rather than a sinister conspirator; his sincerity and moral suffering are emphasized.

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

Referred to as the dead friend and executed revolutionary; his arrest and execution are central to the conversation.

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

Haldin is discussed as the deceased comrade whose actions and intentions are central to the conversation between Razumov and Sophia.

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

Victor Haldin is the deceased brother, central to the conversation. Razumov recalls Victor's last words about Natalia's trustful eyes and his intention to escape.

## Links

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