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 Remizov (Katitchka)

Count Dmitri Gregorovich Remizov—Sergei’s best friend, Katrina’s husband

Basil Pyotrovich Anickin—revolutionary son of Dr. Anickin

Lt. Mikhail Igorovich Grigorov (Misha)—Cossack guard, Anna’s friend

Count Cyril Vlasenko—Chief of Third Section, the Secret Police

Kazan—Paul’s revolutionary friend

Other revolutionaries:

Sophia Perovskaya

Andrei Zhelyabov

Alexander Mikhailov

Fedorcenko Servants:

Mrs. Remington

Polya

Leo Vasilievich Moskalev

Olga Stephanovna

Nina Chomsky

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.