Character guide

Narrator

major

Also known as I, myself, mine

The autobiographical narrator, a wealthy landowner seeking meaning and grappling with existential despair.

Solomon

minor

Also known as a Solomon

Biblical king referenced for his wisdom and pessimistic reflections on life's vanity.

Schopenhauer

minor

German philosopher whose pessimistic worldview influences the narrator's crisis.

Leo Tolstoy

major

Also known as Tolstoy

Author of the confession, reflecting on his own life and spiritual journey.

Christ

supporting

Central figure of Christianity whose teachings the narrator ultimately turns to.

Sakya Muni

minor

Also known as himself

The historical Buddha, whose story of renunciation is examined by the narrator.

Dmitriy

minor

Also known as himself

A peasant or acquaintance who offers simple faith as a counterpoint to the narrator's doubt.

Buddha

minor

Founder of Buddhism, discussed as an example of a path to escape suffering.