# Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof — What Is to Be Done? character guide > Aleksandr Matvéitch Kirsánof in What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Kirsánof, Aleksandr **First appearance:** 0016-part-ii-first-love-and-legal-marriage ## Snapshot A rising professor of medicine who talks science with Lopukhóf, tells Arabian tales to shop girls, and slowly realizes his friendship with Viéra has become something else. ## Who they are Kirsánof is the new man in miniature: a doctor who observes rather than cures, respected by students, beloved by hospital servants, and welcomed nightly into the Lopukhófs' home. The passages catch him in the moment he goes silent mid-conversation, then leaves early, and later confronts Lopukhóf with angry eyes and a forbidden subject. His honesty and his discipline collide with a desire he cannot reason away, making him the hinge on which the novel's central triangle turns. ## In the story ### [A Vital Question](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/a-vital-question) Participates in the discussion, offering counterpoints to Lopukhóf's views. ### [II: The First Consequences of the Fool’s Deed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii-the-first-consequences-of-the-fool-s-deed) Finds Vera in distress after reading the letter; he is pale and trembling, and later tries to comfort her, but she accuses him of being stained with Lopukhof's blood. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii) Introduced as Lopukhóf's roommate and closest friend, sharing similar character and scientific ambitions. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x) Notices Lopukhóf's absences, offers to give up his lessons and share his savings. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as Lopukhóf's friend who provided the address of a lady seeking a governess. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xviii) Mentioned by Vera as a close friend of Lopukhov; she expresses jealousy and dislike, but Lopukhov defends him. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix) Briefly converses with Lopukhóf about their scientific work and the resolution of Viéra's situation. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi) Attends the wedding and meets Viéra Pavlovna, who initially disliked him. ### [Part III: Marriage and Second Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-iii-marriage-and-second-love) Vera's second husband, embodying a blend of passion and rational principles. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as part of the regular social circle that visits the Lopukhófs. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii) Called to treat Lopukhóf; takes charge of night duty to protect Viéra's health; has been absent from their home for over two years. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii) Introduced as the new person in Vera Pavlovna's life; his upbringing and traits are detailed as identical to Lopukhóf's. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ix) The third person entering the dynamic, now compared with Lopukhóf. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x) Described in detail: tall, blonde with brownish tint, dark blue eyes, Grecian nose, small mouth, oblong face, light complexion. Now a professor, respected by students and hospital staff, dedicated to scientific observation and experimentation. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi) Becomes inexplicably offended and distant, making absurd accusations; later returns but the close friendship is lost. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xii) Kirsánof struggles with his renewed passion for Viéra Pavlovna, recalls his earlier self-restraint, and decides to continue visiting despite the danger. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii) Visits the Lopukhófs to gradually distance himself, tours the cooperative, and is deeply affected by the reunion with the dying Nástenka. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xv) Cares for Nástenka for two years; later reunites with her in her final month, spending time with her and taking her on outings. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi) Kirsánof's grief for Nástenka fades, and he becomes a frequent companion to Viéra Pavlovna, falling in love with her again. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvii) Kirsánof is the central figure in this chapter, wrestling with his feelings for Vera and the ethical dilemma of staying or leaving. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xviii) Executes a calculated, gradual withdrawal from the Lopukhófs' company, finding pleasure in the skill of his maneuver. ### [XIX: Viéra Pavlovna’s Third Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix-vi-ra-pavlovna-s-third-dream) Mentioned as the one who failed to get opera tickets, hinting at his growing presence in Viéra's thoughts. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xx) Contemplates his successful retreat from the Lopukhófs' lives and feels satisfaction in having acted honorably. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi) Kirsánov is discussed as the likely cause of Vera's emotional change; his deliberate estrangement is analyzed by Lopukhóf. ### [A Theoretical Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxii-a-theoretical-conversation) Argues passionately that risking another's happiness is dishonorable, using abstract hypotheses to critique Lopukhóf's position. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiii) Resumes visits after five months, displaying careful self-control but inadvertently raising suspicion through small actions like hesitating to waltz with Viéra Pavlovna. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiv) Receives Lopukhóf's note and agrees to stay away for Vera's rest. ### [XXIX: An Extraordinary Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxix-an-extraordinary-man) Mentioned as having informed Rakhmétof of Viéra Pavlovna's situation; his past relation to Rakhmétof is compared to Lopukhóf's relation to Viéra Pavlovna. ### [XXXI: A Colloquy with the Sapient Reader, and His Banishment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxxi-a-colloquy-with-the-sapient-reader-and-his-banishment) Included among the three main characters described as ordinary decent people of the rising generation. ### [Part IV: Second Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-iv-second-marriage) Marries Vera and supports her independence, representing the rational and progressive man. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/ii) Vera's new husband; mentioned as also analyzing motives through egotism and accompanying her after the suicide. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii) Actively corresponded for three to four months, then ceased after the correspondent stopped answering. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v) Visits Vera after a long night at the hospital, discussing a difficult case. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vi) Vera's husband; their constant shared thinking helps Vera evolve her understanding of her dissatisfaction. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii) Listens to the poem, engages in discussion about women's organism and necessity, reassures Vera. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/viii) Vera's second husband, who actively supports her daily life and ambitions, unlike Lopukhov. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x) Accompanies Viéra Pavlovna to the hospital and facilitates her experiment. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi) Vera's husband and instructor in medicine; he participates in the daily tea rituals and supports her studies. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiii) Vera's husband; they host and attend gatherings with like-minded friends. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xiv) Engages in deep conversations with Vera about love as a stimulus for intellectual growth, and notes his own increased mental clarity and scientific progress. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi) Advises on changing the shop sign to avoid suspicion, engages with a medical acquaintance about the business. ### [XVII: A Letter from Ekaterina Vasílyevna Pólozova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvii-a-letter-from-ekaterina-vas-lyevna-p-lozova) Viéra Pavlovna's husband, who provides a financial analysis of the cooperative's advantages. ### [Part V: New People, and the Finale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-v-new-people-and-the-finale) Vera's second husband, whose love develops after Lopukhóf's departure, embodying the new people's approach to love and marriage. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii) Called to consult on Katerina Vasílyevna's case; uses psychological insight and radical honesty to gain her trust. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v) Diagnoses Katerina's illness and devises a radical plan to save her. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vi) Devises and executes a plan to frighten Pólozof into allowing his daughter to recover, using a fake medical consultation and showing ruthless determination. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/vii) Guides Katerina Vasílyevna to see Sólovtsof's flaws through careful conversation and strategic silence, respecting her autonomy. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xv) Referenced as part of the happy married couple Beaumont asks about. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xviii) Mentioned as the man who saved Katerina Vasílyevna from a bad situation with Sólovtsof. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xix) Called in by Vera to share in the joyful revelation about Beaumont. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi) Moves into one of the adjoining flats; visits the factory. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiii) Reassures Viéra Pavlovna that nothing similar could happen to her, and sits with her during the party. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/characters/aleksandr_kirsanov - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/characters