Characters
Yevgeny Vassilyitch Bazarov
Yevgeny Vassilyitch Bazarov (ehv-GEH-nihy vah-SIH-lihch bah-ZAH-rof) is a young graduate from medical school who fully embodies the principles of nihilism, serving as the close friend of Arkady Kirsanov. Known for his arrogance and uncompromising intellect, Bazarov places supreme value on science and rationality, viewing them as paramount. As a revolutionary, he perceives himself superior to the Kirsanov family, whom he considers antiquated humanitarians. He boldly asserts, "You won’t fight—and yet you fancy yourselves gallant chaps—but we mean to fight. . . . We want to smash other people." Despite his adherence to nihilism and his dismissive attitude towards emotions, Bazarov wields significant influence over peers like Arkady. He harbors unspoken feelings for Anna Odintsov, which he eventually confesses. Yet, she turns him down. Returning to his parents' home, he is embraced by the affectionate, traditional care of his parents, Vassily and Arina. During an autopsy, Bazarov contracts typhus, which leads to his death. Anna visits him on his deathbed, where he concedes the futility of his nihilistic beliefs.
Arkady Kirsanov
Arkady Kirsanov (ahr-KAH-dihy kihr-SAH-nof) is the son of Nikolai Kirsanov and a devoted disciple of Bazarov. Initially idolizing Bazarov's nihilistic philosophy, Arkady struggles to fully embrace its ruthlessness, retaining an appreciation for art and nature that contrasts with Bazarov’s utilitarian views, such as believing a chemist to be far more valuable than a poet. During the Governor’s Ball, Arkady meets Anna Odintsov and develops a crush on her, though she only feels sisterly affection. He later falls for Anna's sister, Katya. As their relationship grows, they marry in a joint ceremony with his father Nikolai and Fenitchka. Abandoning his nihilist path, Arkady assumes responsibilities of the family estate, embracing a conventional life with Katya, highlighted by the birth of their son, Nikolai.
Nikolai Petrovitch Kirsanov
Nikolai Petrovitch Kirsanov (NIH-koh-li peht-ROH-vihch), Arkady's kindly and liberal-minded father, enjoys music and supports reform, liberating his serfs and renting land to them, though they often exploit his generosity. His military career was curtailed by a leg injury, leading him to civil service and later to managing their estate, Maryino, after marrying Masha. Following her death, Nikolai raises Arkady, maintaining a close bond. Despite a generational divide due to Arkady's initial embrace of nihilism, Nikolai supports him, facilitating Arkady's marriage to Katya. He marries Fenitchka, his mistress and the mother of his second son, Mitya, in a joint wedding with Arkady and Katya, symbolizing a reunion with tradition.
Pavel Kirsanov
Pavel Kirsanov (PAH-vehl), Nikolai's brother, epitomizes aristocratic values and is a staunch traditionalist. He frequently clashes with Bazarov over radical ideas. Once a promising military officer, Pavel’s life was derailed by a tumultuous affair with Princess R——, leaving him emotionally scarred. His sophisticated demeanor and patrician values sharply contrast Bazarov’s nihilism. A confrontation with Bazarov leads to a duel, resulting in Pavel’s injury, which Bazarov treats himself. Following this, Pavel withdraws from provincial life and moves to Dresden, rejoining aristocratic society and reconciling with his past.
Anna Odintsov
Anna Odintsov (AHN-nah oh-DIHN-tsof) is a striking and composed young widow, whose beauty and sophistication command attention. Initially intrigued by Bazarov, she ultimately rejects him due to his fervent nature, opting for an orderly life. While she harbors only sisterly affection for Arkady, she supports his marriage to Katya. After her father's financial downfall, Anna strategically marries a wealthy man to secure their future. She remains a significant presence, responding to Bazarov’s dying request with a visit, which underscores her compassion beneath a reserved facade.
Katya Loktiv
Katya Loktiv (KAH-tyah lohk-TIHF) is Anna Odintsov’s reticent yet engaging younger sister. Initially overshadowed by Anna, Katya...
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gradually forms a deep connection with Arkady. Their friendship blossoms into love, culminating in their marriage. Her union with Arkady symbolizes his departure from nihilism and embrace of traditional values, leading to a fulfilling life at the family estate.
Vasily Bazarov
Vasily Bazarov (vah-SIH-lihy), Yevgeny’s father, serves as a village doctor, living a modest life with his wife Arina, providing free medical care to peasants. Formerly an army surgeon, he holds great affection for his son and is profoundly impacted by the generational divide represented by Yevgeny. Despite his son’s indifference, Vasily remains supportive, experiencing immense grief at Yevgeny’s premature death.
Arina Bazarov
Arina Bazarov (ah-RIH-nuh), also known as Arina Vlasyevna Bazarov, is Yevgeny’s devoted mother. Her life centers around her son. Coming from Russian minor nobility, she ceded control of their affairs to Vasily. Her traditional and superstitious nature contrasts with progressive reforms, threatening her social standing. Arina’s overwhelming love for Yevgeny initially alienates him, but she tempers her affection during his visit home. His death leaves her heartbroken, and she frequently visits his grave, mourning deeply.
Fenitchka Savishna
Fenitchka Savishna (feh-nih-CH-kuh sah-VIHSH-nuh), also known as Fedosya Savishna, begins as Nikolai’s mistress, later becoming his wife. The daughter of Nikolai’s housekeeper, she grows close to him after he aids her with an eye injury. Their relationship deepens following her mother's death, leading to the birth of their son, Mitya. Fenitchka matures into a cherished family member, forming a strong bond with her daughter-in-law, Katya. Her marriage to Nikolai, advocated by Pavel, solidifies their family and reconciles traditional with modern values.
Pavel Kirsanov
Pavel Kirsanov (PAH-vehl), Nikolai’s brother, stands as a staunch traditionalist embodying aristocratic values. Despite frequent clashes with Bazarov over his radical ideas, Pavel’s sophisticated demeanor and patrician values sharply contrast Bazarov’s nihilism. A former military officer, Pavel’s life was disrupted by a tumultuous affair with Princess R——, leaving him emotionally scarred. A confrontation with Bazarov leads to a duel, resulting in Pavel being wounded, though Bazarov treats the injury himself. Subsequently, Pavel relocates to Dresden, reconnecting with aristocratic society and finding peace with his past.
Father Alexey
Father Alexey is an affable priest who visits Bazarov’s parents and engages in a game of whist with Bazarov, from which he wins money. His role is more significant for the cultural context he provides than for direct influence on the story.
The Governor
The Governor hosts the ball at which Arkady meets Anna Odintsov, representing a pivotal event in the narrative. He has ties to Arkady’s family through Matvy Ilyich Kolyazin, Arkady’s second cousin, whom he employs.
Victor Sitnikov
Victor Sitnikov is an eager but misguided follower of Bazarov who facilitates Arkady and Bazarov’s introduction to Evdoksya Kukshin. Although he aspires to nihilism, his actions and emotions often contradict the philosophy he admires, drawing disdain from both Bazarov and Arkady.
Matvy Ilyich Kolyazin
Matvy Ilyich Kolyazin, Arkady’s second cousin, is a prominent official who invites Arkady and Bazarov to the Governor’s Ball. He initially extends the invitation to Nikolai and Pavel Kirsanov, who decline, allowing Arkady and Bazarov to attend instead.
Madame Evdoksya Kukshin
Madame Kukshin, introduced by Victor Sitnikov, is a separative and independent woman known for her nonconformist ideals and architectural studies in Heidelberg. She aims to impress Arkady and Bazarov with her progressive ideas, though her eccentricities often eclipse her intentions.
