Futility · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Futility by William Gerhardie.
Nikolai Vasilievich
major
Also known as Nikolai, Nikolai Vasilievich's, II Nikolai Vasilievich, Poor Nikolai Vasilievich
A central character, possibly the narrator, deeply involved in the unfolding events.
Fanny Ivanovna
major
Also known as Fanny, Ivanovna, little Fanny
A prominent female character with significant interactions and a strong presence.
Nina Bursànova
major
Also known as Nina, Anne, Nina Bursànova
A key figure, likely the romantic interest, central to the plot's emotional core.
Zina
supporting
Also known as Uncle Kostia, the Zina - Uncle Kostia
A character linked to Uncle Kostia, involved in the family dynamics.
The General
supporting
Also known as the General, The General
A military authority figure whose actions influence the narrative.
Kniaz
supporting
Also known as the old Kniaz, Kniaz great
An older aristocratic figure with a notable role in the story.
Andrei Andreiech
supporting
Also known as Andrei Andreiech
A recurring character, possibly a friend or relative of the main cast.
Sonia
supporting
Also known as The real Sonia
A female character with a distinct identity and narrative presence.
Eisenstein
minor
Also known as Monsieur Eisenstein, Mr. Eisenstein
A character, possibly a foreigner, involved in the social milieu.
Vera
minor
Also known as Vera
A named female character with limited but notable appearances.
Sir Hugo
supporting
Also known as Whereon, old Hugo, Whereon Sir Hugo
An English gentleman character with a role in the plot.
Baron Wunderhausen
minor
Also known as The Baron, The young Baron, Wunderhausen, no Wunderhausen
A baron with a minor but distinct part in the story.
Magda Nikolaevna Bursànova
minor
Also known as Magda Nikolaevna, Magda, Nikolaevna
A member of the Bursanov family with a limited role.
Stanitski
minor
Also known as Stanitski
A minor character mentioned in the narrative.
Mama
minor
Also known as Mama
The mother figure in the family, a recurring referent.
Admiral Kolchak
supporting
Also known as The Admiral, little Kolchak, Kolchak
A historical figure appearing as a character in the Siberian intervention.
Madame Olenin
minor
Also known as Madame Olenin
A minor female character with a few mentions.
General Bologoevski
minor
Also known as Whereupon the General
A military general with a minor role.
Nick
minor
Also known as Nicholas, Nicky
A character, possibly a younger relative or friend.
The Russian General
minor
Also known as the Russian General, The Russian General
An unnamed Russian general appearing in the narrative.
Eberheim
minor
Also known as Eberheim
A minor character with a few mentions.
Mr. Thomson
minor
Also known as Mr. Thomson
A minor character, possibly an Englishman.
Papa
minor
Also known as Papa
The father figure, a recurring family referent.
Cecedek
minor
Also known as Cecedek, Čečedek
A minor character with a distinctive name.
Yuri
minor
Also known as Yuri
A minor character mentioned in the story.
Captain Larkin
minor
Also known as Captain Larkin
An American naval officer involved in the Siberian intervention.
Ward
minor
Also known as Mr. Ward
A minor character, possibly an American.
Professor Metchnikoff
minor
Also known as Professor Metchnikoff
A historical figure mentioned as a character.
Prince Borisov
minor
Also known as Prince, Prince Borisov
A minor aristocratic character.
President Wilson
minor
Also known as President Wilson
A historical figure briefly appearing in the narrative.
General Wrangel
minor
Also known as General Wrangel
A historical White Russian general mentioned.
Holdcroft
minor
Also known as Holdcroft
A minor character with a few mentions.
Chopin
minor
Also known as Chopin
The composer, referenced as a character in the story.
Chekhov
minor
Also known as old Chekhov
The writer, referenced as a character.
Moesei Moeseiech
minor
Also known as Moesei Moeseiech
A minor character with a patronymic name.
Tristan
minor
Also known as Tristan
A mythological figure referenced as a character.
Pàvel Pàvlovich
minor
Also known as Pàvel Pàvlovich
A minor character with a formal name.
Verbitskaya
minor
Also known as Verbitskaya
A minor female character.
Alexei
minor
Also known as Alexei
A minor character with a few mentions.
Denikin
minor
Also known as Denikin
A historical White Russian general mentioned.
