A Cast of Characters

The Burenin Family:

Yevno Pavlovich Burenin

Sophia Ilyanovna Burenin

Anna Yevnovna Burenin (Annushka)

Paul Yevnovich Burenin (Pavushka)

Tanya

Vera

Ilya

The Fedorcenko Family:

Prince Viktor Makhailovich Fedorcenko

Princess Natalia Vasilyovna Fedorcenko

Prince Sergei Viktorovich Fedorcenko

Princess Katrina Viktorovna Fedorcenko (Katitchka)

Count Dmitri Gregorovich Remizov—Sergei’s best friend

Lt. Mikhail Igorovich Grigorov—Cossack guard

Count Cyril Vlasenko—Local Chief of Police

Dr. Pyotr Anickin—Fedorcenko family physician

Basil Pyotrovich Anickin—doctor’s revolutionary son

Fedorcenko Servants:

Sarah Remington

Polya

Leo Vasilievich Moskalev

Olga Stephanovna

Nina Chomsky

Fedorcenko Acquaintances:

Alex Baklanov

Uspenskij’s

Princess Marya Nicolaievna Gudosnikov

Durnovo’s

Elizabeth Cerni

The custom in Russia is to be known by three names—the Christian name, the patronym (“son of . . .” or “daughter of . . .” your father’s name), and the surname. The patronym is formed by adding the appropriate suffix to the individual’s father’s Christian name. The endings are usually vich or ovich for a male, and vna or ovna for a female. These patronyms are often used almost interchangeably with the surname. Nicknames or “little” (diminutive) names are also used in intimate conversation between family and close friends—Pavushka, Annushka, Katitchka, Misha, Sasha, etc.