# Mrs. Mertsálova — What Is to Be Done? character guide

> Mrs. Mertsálova in What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mertsálova

**First appearance:** 0041-part-iii-marriage-and-second-love

## Who they are

A friend of Vera's, part of the progressive circle.

## In the story

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxi)

Hosts the wedding breakfast and invites the young couple.

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

Serves as nuptial godmother for brides from the shop, as Viéra Pavlovna declines the role.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v)

One of the few married friends the Lopukhófs visit.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi)

The Mertsálofs are among the few families who visit the Lopukhófs regularly.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxiii)

Hosts the weekly evening party where Kirsánof's behavior is observed.

### [XXIX: An Extraordinary Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxix-an-extraordinary-man)

Mentioned as being asked to help with the shop in Viéra Pavlovna's absence.

### [Rakhmétov's Visit and the Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xxx)

Mentioned as the person who would take Vera's place at the shop.

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

Proved very capable in managing the original shop on Vasilyevsky Island; now rarely needs Vera's consultation.

### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xvi)

Co-manages the cooperative with Vera, shares in the dreams and subsequent tempering of expansion plans.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/characters/mertsalova
- 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