Vasili Andrevich Brekhunov embodies the essence of greed. His life revolves around the relentless pursuit of wealth, to the extent that he is willing to risk—and ultimately lose—his own life in the process. Brekhunov’s thoughts are consumed by the allure of money, which forms the core of his existence. The potential for profit occupies his mind even during moments of grave danger, as he reflects on his past gains and dreams of future riches. This fixation on money is both the pride and pleasure of his life, shaping his identity and driving his actions.

The corrupting influence of materialism distorts Brekhunov’s worldview. His dealings are characterized by deception and exploitation, particularly towards those beneath him, like his servant Nikita. Although Nikita’s annual salary is supposed to be eighty rubles, Brekhunov duplicitously pays him only half, often in small, reluctant increments or through overpriced goods. Despite this exploitation, Brekhunov maintains a façade of generosity and benevolence, telling Nikita, "If you need anything, take it. You will work it off. I’m not like others to keep you waiting, and making up accounts and reckoning fines. We deal straightforwardly. You serve me and I don’t neglect you.”

In his mind, this skewed arrangement paints him as a considerate employer, yet it underscores the extent to which his vision is tainted by materialistic values. The narrative of Brekhunov’s life illustrates a cautionary tale, revealing how an unyielding drive for wealth can overshadow genuine human connection and moral integrity. His tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate cost of greed, where financial ambition blinds one to the true value of life and relationships.

Nikita finds himself tied to his master in both symbolic and practical ways, recognizing the exploitation yet resigning himself to it: “He felt that it was useless to try to clear up his accounts with him or explain his side of the matter and that as long as he had nowhere to go he must accept what he could get.” This resignation endows him with a quiet fearlessness, a serene acceptance of his fate, even in the face of death. In Leo Tolstoy's narrative, Nikita emerges as the embodiment of the noble savage, one of those meek souls destined to inherit the earth. His life stands in stark contrast to that of his master, who is consumed by self-centeredness and egotism.

The master, an illustration of a squandered existence, is completely absorbed in the pursuit of acquisition and possession, leaving him vulnerable and defenseless when confronted with mortality. This obsession with material wealth and status blinds him to the more profound truths of life. When he abandons Nikita, he rationalizes his actions by claiming he has more to live for due to his property and social standing, showcasing a superficial understanding of life's true value. Thus, the master and servant relationship starkly juxtaposes two worldviews: one rooted in humble acceptance and the other mired in futile self-importance.

Brekhunov's journey towards redemption is marked by his ultimate sacrifice, yet within the narrative framework, this act seems almost whimsical and serendipitous. As death approaches, he experiences vivid hallucinations, struggling to move his arms and legs, only to realize that he is on the brink of his own mortality. Surprisingly, this revelation does not disturb him. Instead, he finds himself contemplating the futility of his material pursuits, questioning why he ever allowed them to weigh so heavily on his soul.

In this moment of clarity, Brekhunov perceives death not as a jarring cessation of life but as a natural progression, seamlessly intertwined with the existence he is about to leave behind. His acceptance of death reflects a profound understanding that, unlike another business transaction, it is an intrinsic part of life's continuum. This realization parallels the deep connection he has formed with the man he saves, highlighting a relationship that transcends the physical realm and speaks to the essence of human compassion and solidarity.