Notes from the Underground: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Notes from the Underground, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- The narratorAn unnamed retired government official lives in isolation in Petersburg and contradicts his own account of his character.First seen in part 1
- The officerAn officer who silently moves the narrator aside in a tavern, provoking lasting resentment.First seen in part 13
- SimonovAn old schoolmate whom the narrator visits despite suspecting that Simonov dislikes him.First seen in part 14
- Anton Antonitch SyetotchkinThe narrator's superior, whom he visits awkwardly when seeking company after retreating into heroic dreams.First seen in part 14
- ZverkovAn army officer whose farewell dinner the narrator insists on joining despite resenting his popularity.First seen in part 15
- ApollonThe narrator's servant, whose wages the narrator withholds while preparing to attend the farewell dinner.First seen in part 15
- FerfitchkinA dinner companion with whom the narrator quarrels and whom he challenges to a duel.First seen in part 16
- LizaA young woman whom the narrator approaches after failing to find his dinner companions.First seen in part 17
- Part 1
The narrator introduces his suspected illness, recalls tormenting petitioners, and explains his retirement into isolation.
- Part 2
The narrator describes pleasure in shame and argues that excessive awareness prevents him from acting.
- Part 3
The narrator contrasts direct revenge with the lasting resentment of a person trapped in doubt.
- Part 4
The narrator uses deliberately unpleasant toothache moans to explain pleasure in helplessness and tormenting others.
- Part 5
The narrator describes inventing offenses, repentance, and love to escape boredom, then distrusting his own feelings.
- Part 7
The narrator argues that people may reject their own interests simply to exercise independent choice.
- Part 8
The narrator disputes predictable human behavior, arguing that people may deliberately choose harm to preserve individuality.
- Part 9
The narrator suggests that people may prefer striving and destruction to completed perfection.
- Part 10
The narrator rejects a perfect crystal palace because it leaves no room for defiance.
- Part 11
The narrator admits inventing his readers' accusations and decides to record private memories.
- Part 13
After brooding over an officer's insult, the narrator deliberately bumps shoulders with him as a claim to equality.
- Part 14
Heroic dreams eventually drive the narrator to seek company and visit Simonov.
- Part 15
The narrator insists on joining Zverkov's farewell dinner and withholds Apollon's wages to prepare for it.
- Part 16
The narrator quarrels at dinner, delivers an insulting toast, and borrows money to follow the departing guests.
- Part 17
The narrator pursues his companions while imagining revenge, then approaches a young woman after finding them gone.
- Part 18
The narrator questions Liza, predicts illness and poverty, and urges her toward love and family life.
- Part 19
Liza breaks down under the narrator's warnings, and he gives her his address before leaving.
- Part 20
The narrator sends Simonov a dishonest apology, then quarrels with Apollon before Liza unexpectedly arrives.
- Part 21
The narrator admits wanting to humiliate Liza, but her comfort exposes his shame and dependence.
- Part 22
The narrator gives Liza money as an insult, discovers she leaves it behind, and pursues her through the snow.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- PetersburgThe city where the narrator retires into isolation after receiving an inheritance.First seen in part 1
- Hôtel de ParisThe hotel where the narrator travels to attend Zverkov's farewell dinner.First seen in part 15
- RigaThe place Liza names as her home when the narrator questions her.First seen in part 18
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