A young Russian officer. He views life on the Russian front in the Caucasus through a romantic lens; he finds being a soldier, overcoming perils, and life in uniform poetic. Having previously lived in St. Petersburg, he lost everything due to gambling debts and joined the war. He harbors a naive admiration for Hadji Murat and Dagestani culture; in his heroism, he finds the virtues of the hero he has envisioned for himself. He develops a modest cross-cultural friendship with Hadji Murat.
He left the elitism of the palace and the splendor of the big city to come to the Caucasian front. The primary reason for this was that, while trying to maintain a noble lifestyle, he was ruined by gambling. In the war, he sought to find not his lost honor or wealth, but a poetic meaning.
A tall, handsome, clean-faced young soldier who adopted a Caucasian-influenced style, wearing a black frock coat with his sword slung diagonally.
Hacı Murat
Respect and an exotic admiration; he perceives him like a romantic knight.
Marya Dmitriyevna
A woman he finds conscientious and whom he approaches with subtle, respectful flirtation.
İvan Matveyeviç
His superior in the regiment and an alcoholic friend.