Poetry · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Poetry by Taras Shevchenko.
Unknown
major
Also known as me, thee, mine, myself
The unnamed narrator or focal character, often speaking in first person.
The Servant
supporting
Also known as the servant, herself, Servant Anne
A recurring servant figure, possibly the bondwoman in several poems.
Mark
supporting
Also known as VIII Now Mark
A named character appearing in multiple poems, possibly a biblical or allegorical figure.
Katherine
major
Also known as Kate, gentle Katherine, Daughter Katherine
A central female character, often addressed tenderly in the poems.
The Cossack
major
Also known as Cossack
A symbolic or literal Cossack warrior, central to several narrative poems.
Trophimus
supporting
Also known as Old Trophimus, old Trophim
An elderly character, possibly a father or wise figure in the poems.
Anna
supporting
A named female character appearing in several poems.
The Tchumak
supporting
Also known as Tchumak
A Ukrainian salt-trader or wanderer, appearing in narrative poems.
Kalina
minor
Also known as Kalina The Cranberry
A personified or symbolic figure, possibly representing the cranberry or a woman.
The Servant Who Cares Not for Wage
minor
A distinct servant figure who serves without expectation of payment.
The Cossacks
supporting
Also known as Cossacks
A collective group of Cossack warriors appearing in battle scenes.
The Kobzar
supporting
A blind bard or minstrel, a recurring figure in Ukrainian folk poetry.
Shevchenko
major
Also known as Taras Shevchenko
The poet himself, appearing as a character or speaker in the poems.
Tchabàn
minor
A shepherd character appearing in pastoral or exile poems.
Hamaleia
supporting
Also known as Brave Hamaleia
A heroic Cossack leader, subject of a narrative poem.
The German
minor
Also known as the mighty German
A foreign antagonist or figure of oppression in the poems.
Holy Barbara
minor
Also known as Barbara
A saintly female figure, possibly invoked in prayer poems.
The Dnieper
minor
Also known as Dnieper
The personified Dnieper River, a recurring symbolic presence.
Taras
supporting
Also known as Taras Traselo
A Cossack leader or historical figure, possibly the poet's namesake.
The Poles
minor
Also known as the inhuman Poles
Polish oppressors or antagonists in historical poems.
Tchornobriva
minor
A female character, possibly a lover or mourner, with dark brows.
Bosphorus
minor
Also known as great Bosphorus
The personified Bosphorus strait, appearing in exile poems.
Topolia
minor
A named female character or personification, possibly a poplar tree.
Stasia
minor
A minor female character, possibly a servant or village woman.
Mongols
minor
Historical invaders mentioned in narrative poems.
