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Anna Karenina
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"Anna Karenina" Characters Analysis

The married Anna Karenina falls in love with Count Vronsky, leading to a tragic and scandalous affair in 19th century Russia.

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Estimated read time: 12 min read

Table of Contents

  1. Anna Karenina
  2. Alexei Vronsky
  3. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  4. Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  5. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
  6. Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  7. Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  8. Countess Lidia Ivanovna
  9. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin
  10. Countess Vronskaya
  11. Princess Betsy Tverskoy
  12. Anna Karenina
  13. Alexei Vronsky
  14. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  15. Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  16. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
  17. Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  18. Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  19. Countess Lidia Ivanovna
  20. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin
  21. Countess Vronskaya
  22. Princess Betsy Tverskoy
  23. Anna Karenina
  24. Alexei Vronsky
  25. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  26. Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  27. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
  28. Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  29. Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  30. Countess Lidia Ivanovna
  31. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin
  32. Countess Vronskaya
  33. Princess Betsy Tverskoy
  34. Anna Karenina
  35. Alexei Vronsky
  36. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  37. Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  38. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
  39. Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  40. Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  41. Countess Lidia Ivanovna
  42. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin
  43. Countess Vronskaya
  44. Princess Betsy Tverskoy
  45. Anna Karenina
  46. Alexei Vronsky
  47. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  48. Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  49. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
  50. Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  51. Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  52. Countess Lidia Ivanovna
  53. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin
  54. Countess Vronskaya
  55. Princess Betsy Tverskoy
  56. Anna Karenina and Alexei Vronsky
  57. Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin and Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  58. Anna Karenina and Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin
  59. Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky and Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky
  60. Alexei Vronsky and Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya
  61. Anna Karenina and Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin
  62. Countess Lidia Ivanovna and Countess Vronskaya
  63. Sergei Alexeievich Karenin and Other Characters

List of Characters

NameRole
Anna KareninaProtagonist
Alexei VronskyLove Interest
Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich LevinProtagonist's Brother-in-law
Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna OblonskyProtagonist's Sister
Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch OblonskyProtagonist's Brother-in-law
Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna ShcherbatskayaLove Interest's Former Love Interest
Konstantin Dmitrievich LevinProtagonist's Love Interest's Love Interest
Aleksei Alexandrovich KareninProtagonist's Husband
Countess Lidia IvanovnaSociety Matron
Sergei Alexeievich KareninProtagonist's Son
Countess VronskayaAlexei Vronsky's Mother
Princess Betsy TverskoySocialite Friend of the Protagonist

Role Identification

Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina is the protagonist of the novel. She is a complex character who struggles with societal expectations, love, and family. Her story is a tragic one, as she faces the consequences of her choices and desires.

Alexei Vronsky

Alexei Vronsky is Anna Karenina's love interest. He is a handsome and charming military officer who becomes infatuated with Anna, leading to a passionate and tumultuous affair.

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

Konstantin Levin is Anna's brother-in-law and a central character in the novel. He is a deeply introspective and philosophical landowner who grapples with his own search for meaning and fulfillment.

Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

Dolly is Anna's sister and is married to Stiva. She serves as a contrast to Anna, embodying the struggles of a traditional wife and mother in Russian society.

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

Stiva is Anna's brother-in-law and is known for his philandering ways. His extramarital affairs and financial troubles create tension within the family.

Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Kitty is a young woman who initially rejects Levin's marriage proposal in favor of Vronsky. However, she later realizes her true feelings for Levin, leading to a significant character arc.

Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

Aleksei Karenin is Anna's husband, a government official known for his adherence to societal norms and his cold, bureaucratic demeanor.

Countess Lidia Ivanovna

Countess Lidia is a devout and influential figure in the novel, representing the rigid moral and religious standards of Russian society.

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin

Sergei is Anna and Karenin's son, whose life is deeply impacted by the events surrounding his parents' tumultuous relationship.

Countess Vronskaya

The Countess is Vronsky's mother, whose disapproval of his relationship with Anna adds to the societal pressures and conflicts faced by the characters.

Princess Betsy Tverskoy

Princess Betsy is a glamorous and worldly socialite who serves as a confidante and friend to Anna, offering insight into the complexities of high society.

Character Descriptions

Anna Karenina

Anna is described as a stunningly beautiful and enigmatic woman. She possesses a magnetic charm and intelligence that draws people to her, while also harboring inner turmoil and a longing for genuine love and fulfillment.

Alexei Vronsky

Vronsky is a dashing and charismatic military officer, known for his confident demeanor and passionate nature. His physical attractiveness and bold personality make him an alluring figure in the novel.

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

Levin is portrayed as a thoughtful and introspective landowner, deeply connected to the Russian countryside. His intellectual pursuits and philosophical nature set him apart from the societal norms of the time.

Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

Dolly is depicted as a devoted wife and mother, struggling with the challenges of maintaining her family amidst her husband's infidelity and financial irresponsibility.

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

Stiva is characterized as a charming and affable man, known for his sociable nature and extramarital affairs. His carefree attitude contrasts with the more serious themes of the novel.

Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Kitty is initially portrayed as a young woman caught up in the frivolities of society, but she undergoes significant growth and maturity as she navigates love and heartbreak.

Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

Karenin is presented as a rigid and emotionally distant government official, adhering strictly to societal conventions and expectations. His stoic demeanor masks the inner turmoil caused by his wife's infidelity.

Countess Lidia Ivanovna

Countess Lidia is depicted as a devout and influential figure, wielding significant moral and social authority. Her unwavering commitment to religious principles shapes her interactions with other characters.

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin

Sergei is portrayed as a young boy deeply affected by the tumultuous dynamics between his parents. His innocence becomes a casualty of the adult conflicts surrounding him.

Countess Vronskaya

The Countess is depicted as a formidable presence, embodying the societal pressures and expectations placed upon her son. Her disapproval of Vronsky's relationship with Anna adds to the challenges faced by the characters.

Princess Betsy Tverskoy

Princess Betsy is presented as a glamorous and worldly socialite, exuding confidence and sophistication. Her insights into the intricacies of high society provide a compelling backdrop to the characters' experiences.

Character Traits

Anna Karenina

  • Charismatic
  • Passionate
  • Self-destructive
  • Emotionally turbulent
  • Intelligent

Alexei Vronsky

  • Charismatic
  • Confident
  • Impulsive
  • Idealistic
  • Charming

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

  • Thoughtful
  • Idealistic
  • Philosophical
  • Introspective
  • Genuine

Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

  • Devoted
  • Long-suffering
  • Traditional
  • Nurturing
  • Resilient

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

  • Sociable
  • Carefree
  • Irresponsible
  • Charming
  • Hedonistic

Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

  • Naive
  • Romantic
  • Maturing
  • Sensitive
  • Loving

Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

  • Stoic
  • Bureaucratic
  • Rigid
  • Emotionally distant
  • Conventional

Countess Lidia Ivanovna

  • Devout
  • Influential
  • Judgmental
  • Moralistic
  • Authoritative

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin

  • Innocent
  • Vulnerable
  • Neglected
  • Observant
  • Confused

Countess Vronskaya

  • Disapproving
  • Traditional
  • Authoritative
  • Protective
  • Concerned

Princess Betsy Tverskoy

  • Glamorous
  • Worldly
  • Confidante
  • Insightful
  • Sophisticated

Character Background

Anna Karenina

Anna is a member of the Russian aristocracy, married to the prominent government official Aleksei Karenin. Her passionate nature and desire for genuine love lead her into a tumultuous affair with Vronsky, challenging the societal norms of the time.

Alexei Vronsky

Vronsky is a military officer from a noble family, known for his gallant demeanor and bold pursuits. His passionate affair with Anna sets off a chain of events that deeply impact the lives of the characters.

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

Levin is a landowner and intellectual, wrestling with his own existential questions and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society. His deep connection to the land and his philosophical ponderings set him apart from the societal conventions of the time.

Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

Dolly is married to Stiva and fulfills the traditional role of a devoted wife and mother. Her struggles with her husband's infidelity and financial irresponsibility highlight the challenges faced by women in Russian society.

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

Stiva is a sociable and affable man, known for his extramarital affairs and carefree attitude. His actions disrupt the stability of his family and reflect the societal norms and expectations of the time.

Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Kitty is a young woman navigating the complexities of love and societal expectations. Her initial rejection of Levin's proposal in favor of Vronsky leads to a transformative journey of self-discovery and maturity.

Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

Karenin is a high-ranking government official known for his adherence to societal conventions and bureaucratic demeanor. His marriage to Anna becomes a battleground of conflicting desires and societal expectations.

Countess Lidia Ivanovna

Countess Lidia is a devout and influential figure, wielding significant moral and social authority within the Russian aristocracy. Her unwavering commitment to religious principles shapes her interactions with others.

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin

Sergei is the young son of Anna and Karenin, whose innocence becomes a casualty of the adult conflicts surrounding him. His upbringing is deeply influenced by the tumultuous dynamics within his family.

Countess Vronskaya

The Countess is a traditional and authoritative figure, concerned about the societal repercussions of her son's affair with Anna. Her disapproval adds to the challenges faced by the characters.

Princess Betsy Tverskoy

Princess Betsy embodies the glamour and sophistication of high society, offering insights into the complexities of love and relationships within the aristocratic circles of Russia.

Character Arcs

Anna Karenina

Anna's character arc follows her journey from a woman constrained by societal expectations to a tragic figure consumed by her desires. Her pursuit of love and fulfillment leads to a downward spiral, ultimately resulting in her tragic fate.

Alexei Vronsky

Vronsky's character arc traces his transformation from a confident and idealistic military officer to a man grappling with the consequences of his passionate affair with Anna. His choices and actions shape the fates of those around him.

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

Levin's character arc revolves around his search for meaning and fulfillment, leading to personal growth and self-realization. His philosophical ponderings and quest for love culminate in a journey of introspection and maturity.

Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

Dolly's character arc portrays her resilience and growth as she navigates the challenges of her marriage and family life. Her journey reflects the complexities of traditional roles and the pursuit of personal happiness.

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

Stiva's character arc illustrates the consequences of his carefree and irresponsible behavior, highlighting the impact of societal expectations and personal choices on his family and relationships.

Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Kitty's character arc depicts her evolution from a naive and romantic young woman to a mature and self-aware individual. Her experiences with love and heartbreak lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of herself.

Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

Karenin's character arc portrays his struggle to uphold societal conventions while facing the emotional turmoil caused by Anna's affair. His rigid demeanor and inner conflicts shape the dynamics within his family.

Countess Lidia Ivanovna

Countess Lidia's character arc showcases her unwavering commitment to religious principles and moral authority, influencing the lives of those around her. Her interactions with other characters reflect the societal expectations and moral standards of the time.

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin

Sergei's character arc reveals the impact of his parents' tumultuous relationship on his upbringing and innocence. His journey reflects the collateral damage of adult conflicts on the younger generation.

Countess Vronskaya

The Countess's character arc highlights her protective and authoritative nature, influenced by societal expectations and the repercussions of her son's affair with Anna.

Princess Betsy Tverskoy

Princess Betsy's character arc offers insights into the complexities of love and relationships within the aristocratic circles of Russia, showcasing the glamour and sophistication of high society.

Relationships

Anna Karenina and Alexei Vronsky

The passionate and tumultuous relationship between Anna and Vronsky defies societal norms and expectations, leading to profound consequences for both characters and those around them.

Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin and Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Levin and Kitty's relationship undergoes significant growth and transformation, reflecting the complexities of love and the pursuit of personal happiness amidst societal pressures.

Anna Karenina and Aleksei Alexandrovich Karenin

Anna and Karenin's marriage becomes a battleground of conflicting desires and societal expectations, shaping the fates of their family and the characters around them.

Stepan "Stiva" Arkadyevitch Oblonsky and Princess Darya "Dolly" Alexandrovna Oblonsky

Stiva's extramarital affairs and Dolly's resilience highlight the complexities of marriage and societal expectations within Russian society.

Alexei Vronsky and Princess Ekaterina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatskaya

Vronsky and Kitty's initial courtship and subsequent experiences reflect the transformative journey of love and self-discovery amidst the societal pressures of the time.

Anna Karenina and Konstantin "Kostya" Dmitrievich Levin

Anna and Levin's interactions offer contrasting perspectives on love, desire, and societal expectations, shaping their individual journeys and the dynamics of the novel.

Countess Lidia Ivanovna and Countess Vronskaya

The authoritative and protective nature of Countess Lidia and Countess Vronskaya reflects the societal pressures and moral standards prevalent in the aristocratic circles of Russia.

Sergei Alexeievich Karenin and Other Characters

Sergei's innocence and vulnerability become a focal point, reflecting the impact of adult conflicts and societal expectations on the younger generation.

Conclusion

The characters in "Anna Karenina" navigate a complex web of societal expectations, love, and personal desires, leading to profound character arcs and relationships that shape the novel's narrative. Their struggles and conflicts offer a poignant portrayal of the human experience within the backdrop of Russian aristocracy, making "Anna Karenina" a timeless classic.