# The Gambler — Character guide

> Key figures in The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

- [Alexei Ivanovitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/alexei_ivanovitch.md): The narrator and protagonist, a young tutor obsessed with roulette and Polina.
- [Polina Alexandrovna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/polina_alexandrovna.md): The General's stepdaughter, proud and enigmatic, whom Alexei loves desperately.
- [The General](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/the_general.md): A financially ruined Russian aristocrat, obsessed with inheriting from his aunt.
- [Mlle. Blanche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/blanche.md): A cunning French adventuress who schemes to marry the General for his money.
- [Mr. Astley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/mr_astley.md): A wealthy, quiet Englishman who observes the drama and secretly aids Alexei.
- [De Griers](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/de_griers.md): A slick French moneylender and Polina's former lover, involved in the General's debts.
- [Grandmother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/grandmother.md): The wealthy, domineering old aunt whose unexpected arrival upends everyone's plans.
- [Potapitch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/potapitch.md): The Grandmother's loyal old servant who accompanies her to the casino.
- [Martha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/martha.md): A servant in the General's household, often delivering messages.
- [Baroness Burmergelm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/baroness_burmergelm.md): A German aristocrat whom Alexei publicly insults at the casino.
- [Baron Burmergelm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/baron_burmergelm.md): The Baroness's husband, who challenges Alexei after the insult.
- [Zelma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/zelma.md): A mysterious woman briefly mentioned in the casino crowd.
- [Prascovia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/prascovia.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance of the family.
- [Maria Philipovna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/maria_philipovna.md): A woman mentioned in passing, likely a household figure.
- [The Frenchman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/the_frenchman.md): A generic Frenchman at the casino, possibly De Griers in disguise.
- [Madame de Cominges](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/madame_de_cominges.md): An older Frenchwoman associated with Blanche's circle.
- [Bibi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/bibi.md): A nickname for a minor character, possibly a child or servant.
- [Monsignor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/monsignor.md): A Catholic clergyman briefly encountered in the hotel.
- [Theodosia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/theodosia.md): A name mentioned in passing, possibly a historical or literary allusion.
- [Racine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/racine.md): A reference to the French playwright, not a character in the story.
- [Hortense](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/hortense.md): A minor female name mentioned in the narrative.
- [Du Placet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters/du_placet.md): An alias or surname used by Blanche in her schemes.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gambler_se/characters