A young Russian intellectual working as a tutor for children in the General's house. He is extremely intelligent and observant, yet a lack-of-will character who succumbs to his internal impulses. His sick, slave-like loyalty to Polina Aleksandrovna drives him to accept any humiliation. The roulette game he starts at Polina's request eventually awakens the limitless Russian fatalism and passion within him. Throughout the novel, he transitions from an observer and puppet to a wealthy man who wins hundreds of thousands of florins by a twist of fate, and finally to a gambler who spends everything playing roulette, experiencing moral decay. His life and potential wither away under the hypnotic lure of the roulette table.
Although not of aristocratic descent, he is a well-educated young Russian intellectual. The early period of his life is not well known, but his skeptical approach to the hypocrisy of European culture and the unfillable void within him show that he is a rootless, rebellious, but aimless soul who has come from Russia.
Despite dressing well, he has an air that pays little attention to his own appearance or respectability. Although he possesses the physical vitality of a young man of 25, his eyes constantly hold a feverish and tired expression, and his face carries a passionate look created by nervous tension.
General
His employer for whom he works as a tutor, whose weaknesses and pretenses he despises.
Bay Astley
His moral rival and confidant, whom he weirdly respects and whose honesty he trusts.
Büyükanne
The authoritative old woman with whom he shares a common Russian temperament and whom he keeps company at the gambling table.
Matmazel Blanche
The pragmatic mistress whom he knowingly allows to take advantage of him without using his intellect or honor.
Marquis Des Grieux
His enemy, whom he finds repulsive, is secretly jealous of because of his connection to Polina, and who symbolizes French arrogance.
Polina Aleksandrovna
The woman he adores in a desperate and slavish manner, for whose sake he risks his life.