A young man with a hybrid soul who has just returned to his father's village and finished university. For a time, he was overly influenced by Bazarov's dogma and attempted to define himself as a nihilist. Although he tried to overcome the shy, old-fashioned ways of his father, deliberately be ashamed of his affections, and manage life according to nihilist rules rather than analyzing it, he can never hide his timid, compassionate, good, and romantic heart. This naive character, who initially leaned toward Odintsova, eventually comes to accept his own identity, falls in love with Odintsova's sister Katya, and parts ways with his nihilist master by heading toward an entirely opposite life.
The well-bred son of Nikolay Petrovich who studied at the university in St. Petersburg. He lost his mother at an early age; following the winters he spent with his father in St. Petersburg, he arrived at his studies alone, met Bazarov, and was captivated by his intellectual weight.
A stylish young man with smooth, beardless cheeks, clean, dusty, and sun-tanned, though it is evident from every aspect that he comes from a good family. His eyes convey joy and gentle harmony.
Pavel Petroviç Kirsanov
The old knight whom he deems a relic of the past yet still loves with the respect due an uncle.
Anna Sergeyevna Odintsova
The beautiful woman he was hopelessly and adolescently infatuated with for a time.
Nikolay Petroviç Kirsanov
His father, whom he loves dearly, and whom he tries to understand without breaking as he rushes to modernize.
Katerina Sergeyevna (Katya)
His wife, in whose endless tranquility and understanding he trusts.
Yevgeniy Vasilyeviç Bazarov
His hero; the destructive mentor whose authority he eventually finds overwhelming.