He is Anna Karenina's brother and is one of the most endearing, carefree, and at the same time, selfish characters in the novel. He shakes his marriage with Doli right at the beginning of the novel by cheating on her with a governess. He prefers money, good dining, European-quality restaurants, and flashy, carefree friendships over everything else. He knows well how to cheer up even a man like Levin, who is tightly bound to ideals, by patting him on the shoulder or offering an appetizer, and how to gloss over crises with laughter and jokes. He is actually not interested in working or the serious tasks of the state, but he easily lands in bureaucratic positions thanks to his high-influence connections. During the main crisis points in the novel—Doli's forgiveness, the days when Anna is on the verge of suicide—he is always there, in the room, as a mediator with his pragmatic yet indifferent mind.
He is the heir to an influential and deep-rooted but debt-ridden old family. Throughout his life, he has never been crushed under the weight of seriousness or troublesome work, and he has always known how to save himself easily by taking advantage of the weakness women around him have shown toward him.
A handsome nobleman with a plump and round frame, a mobile and lively body, bright and cheerful eyes, beautiful sideburns, and who pays particular attention to being stylish and clean in his attire.
Anna Karenina
His beloved sister, with whom he shares similar charm and traits, and for whom he tried to act as an envoy using his own methods to help her divorce her husband.
Aleksey Karenin
His brother-in-law, whom he approaches with a mix of fear and respect for his bureaucratic power in the state machine, rather than as his sister's husband, and from whom he seeks favors.
Aleksey Vronski
The officer whom they enjoy addressing on the gambling and club tables, and whom he tolerates in his social circle despite the tragic presence of his sister's fate.
Konstantin Levin
His good friend, who is both a childhood friend and a brother-in-law, whose primitive joy of life and moral seriousness he often makes the subject of sweet mockery.
Darya Oblonskaya (Doli)
His devoted wife, whom he respects as the mother of his children but whom he has constantly saddened throughout his life and to whom he could not remain faithful.