Poor Folk · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin
major
Also known as Makar Alexievitch, Dearest Makar Alexievitch, Dear Makar Alexievitch, Makar Dievushkin, Dievushkin
A poor, aging clerk who writes letters to Barbara, revealing his deep affection and insecurity.
Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova
major
Also known as Barbara Alexievna, Barbara, little Barbara, dear Barbara, Dearest Mistress Barbara Alexievna, My Dearest Little Barbara, Barbara Dobroselova
A young, orphaned woman living in poverty, who corresponds with Makar and recounts her tragic past.
Monsieur Bykov
supporting
Also known as Monsieur Bwikov, Bwikov, this Bwikov, this Monsieur Bwikov, Hospodin 1 Bwikov
A wealthy, coarse landowner who pursues Barbara and ultimately proposes marriage.
Anna Thedorovna
supporting
Also known as Anna, Anna Thedorovna
Barbara's distant relative and former guardian, who schemes to marry her off to Bykov.
Pokrovski
supporting
Also known as Pokrovski, this Pokrovski, the younger Pokrovski, young Pokrovski, the elder Pokrovski
A poor, scholarly young man who boards with Barbara and becomes her tragic love interest.
Thedora
supporting
Also known as Thedora
Barbara's kind, elderly servant and confidante who helps her in times of need.
Rataziaev
supporting
Also known as Rataziaev
A boastful, mediocre writer and neighbor of Makar who holds literary gatherings.
Gorshkov
supporting
Also known as Gorshkov, poor Gorshkov, this Gorshkov
A destitute, disgraced former civil servant who lives in Makar's building with his family.
Peter Petrovitch
minor
Also known as Peter Petrovitch
A distant relative of Makar who occasionally visits and offers advice.
Emelia Ivanovitch
minor
Also known as Emelia Ivanovitch, Emelia
A fellow clerk and friend of Makar who shares his troubles.
Theresa
minor
Also known as Theresa
A servant in the building where Makar and Barbara live.
Phaldoni
minor
Also known as Phaldoni
A servant or messenger who appears in the narrative.
Sasha
minor
Also known as Sasha
A young girl who is a friend or acquaintance of Barbara.
Markov
minor
Also known as Markov, Monsieur Markov
A minor character mentioned in the story, possibly a tradesman.
Ermak
minor
Also known as Ermak
A historical figure referenced in the narrative, not a direct character.
Petinka
minor
Also known as Petinka
A young boy or minor character mentioned in passing.
Zuleika
minor
Also known as Zuleika
A character from a story within the book, possibly fictional.
Madame Chiffon
minor
Also known as Madame Chiffon
A dressmaker or shopkeeper mentioned in the narrative.
Emelia Ilyitch
minor
Also known as Emelia Ilyitch, Emelia
A different Emelia from Emelia Ivanovitch, possibly a relative.
Samson Virin
minor
Also known as Samson Virin, Virin
A character from a story read by Makar, the stationmaster.
Thedor Thedorovitch
minor
Also known as Thedor Thedorovitch, Thedor
A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.
Evstafi Ivanovitch
minor
Also known as Evstafi Ivanovitch, Evstafi
A minor character, possibly a colleague of Makar.
Zinaida
minor
Also known as Zinaida
A minor female character mentioned in the story.
The Naval Officer
minor
Also known as The naval officer, the naval officer
A minor character who appears briefly in the narrative.
Pushkin
minor
Also known as Pushkin, the Pushkin
The famous poet, referenced as an author whose works are read.
Old Prince
minor
Also known as old Prince PтБат ╕ ║
A minor nobleman mentioned in the narrative.
Countess V.
minor
Also known as Countess, Countess V.
A wealthy countess who takes an interest in Barbara.
Pelagea Antonovna
minor
Also known as Pelagea Antonovna
A minor female character, possibly a neighbor.
Stepan Karlovitch
minor
Also known as Stepan Karlovitch
A minor character, possibly a colleague or acquaintance.
Timothei Ivanovitch
minor
Also known as Timothei Ivanovitch
A minor character, possibly a servant or official.
