The son of the commander-in-chief of Russian forces in the Caucasus and one of the important political actors in the region (according to the work, both his father and he are important in Caucasian politics; his representative at the fort is Prince Vorontsov). He is an educated and refined diplomat who has seen Europe. He finds Hadji Murat's defection to the Russian side useful for drawing out his potential military knowledge in defeating Shamil. However, he can never grasp Hadji Murat's true, profound grief at a philosophical level; for him, everything is a move in a grand military chess game played for the victory of Russia and his own prestige.
He was born into an influential and aristocratic family. He grew up in England and various diplomatic circles, and acquired refined tastes. Command authority in the Caucasus is his field to prove his maturity and advance his career.
A young, blond, slender man who is showy, with a uniform decorated with medals and military cords. He has a pale face and neatly combed hair.
Hacı Murat
A dangerous and wild card; must be used but kept under surveillance.
Marya Vasilyevna
His wife, of whom he is proud and with whom he shares a luxurious life.
Çernışev/Çar Nikolay
Superiors whom he constantly feels the need to justify himself to because of a struggle for office and power.