The Gambler · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Alexei Ivanovitch
major
Also known as Alexis Ivanovitch, myself, I
The narrator and protagonist, a young tutor obsessed with roulette and Polina.
Polina Alexandrovna
major
Also known as Polina, Mlle. Polina
The General's stepdaughter, proud and enigmatic, whom Alexei loves desperately.
The General
major
Also known as General, the unhappy General, Madame General
A financially ruined Russian aristocrat, obsessed with inheriting from his aunt.
Mlle. Blanche
major
Also known as Blanche, the egregious Blanche, Blanche du Placet, Blanche de Cominges
A cunning French adventuress who schemes to marry the General for his money.
Mr. Astley
supporting
Also known as Astley, A Mr. Astley
A wealthy, quiet Englishman who observes the drama and secretly aids Alexei.
De Griers
supporting
Also known as de Griers, Monsieur de Griers, Marquis de Griers
A slick French moneylender and Polina's former lover, involved in the General's debts.
Grandmother
supporting
Also known as Grandmamma, the Grandmother, Antonida Vassilievna
The wealthy, domineering old aunt whose unexpected arrival upends everyone's plans.
Potapitch
minor
Also known as the unfortunate Potapitch
The Grandmother's loyal old servant who accompanies her to the casino.
Martha
minor
Also known as Presently Martha
A servant in the General's household, often delivering messages.
Baroness Burmergelm
minor
Also known as the Baroness Burmergelm, Baroness
A German aristocrat whom Alexei publicly insults at the casino.
Baron Burmergelm
minor
Also known as the Baron Burmergelm
The Baroness's husband, who challenges Alexei after the insult.
Zelma
minor
A mysterious woman briefly mentioned in the casino crowd.
Prascovia
minor
A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance of the family.
Maria Philipovna
minor
A woman mentioned in passing, likely a household figure.
The Frenchman
minor
Also known as Frenchman, Master Frenchman
A generic Frenchman at the casino, possibly De Griers in disguise.
Madame de Cominges
minor
Also known as de Cominges, the Widow de Cominges
An older Frenchwoman associated with Blanche's circle.
Bibi
minor
A nickname for a minor character, possibly a child or servant.
Monsignor
minor
A Catholic clergyman briefly encountered in the hotel.
Theodosia
minor
A name mentioned in passing, possibly a historical or literary allusion.
Racine
minor
A reference to the French playwright, not a character in the story.
Hortense
minor
A minor female name mentioned in the narrative.
Du Placet
minor
An alias or surname used by Blanche in her schemes.
