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The Master And Margarita
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"The Master And Margarita" Characters Analysis

A devil arrives in Moscow with a retinue, causing chaos and granting freedom to a writer and his lover.

Estimated read time: 8 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
WolandAntagonist, Devil
MargaritaProtagonist, Master's lover
The MasterWriter, Margarita's lover
BehemothDemon, Woland's retainer
Pontius PilateHistorical figure, character in Master's novel
Ivan BezdomnyPoet, skeptical of Woland's powers
KorovievWoland's assistant
HellaMargarita's friend

Role Identification

Woland

Woland serves as the primary antagonist in the story, embodying the character of the Devil. He challenges the moral fabric of society and exposes its hypocrisies.

Margarita

Margarita is the protagonist and serves as a symbol of unwavering love and loyalty. She undergoes a transformation guided by her love for the Master.

The Master

The Master is a struggling writer and Margarita's lover. His character symbolizes the artist's struggle for creative freedom and the pursuit of truth.

Behemoth

Behemoth is a demon in the form of a large black cat and serves as Woland's retainer. He adds a touch of dark humor and mischief to the narrative.

Pontius Pilate

A historical figure and a character in the Master's novel. His role explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of good and evil.

Ivan Bezdomny

Ivan is a poet who is initially skeptical of Woland's powers. His character serves as a vehicle for the reader's skepticism and disbelief.

Koroviev

Koroviev is Woland's wily and deceptive assistant, adding complexity to the unfolding of events and interactions with other characters.

Hella

Hella is Margarita's friend and plays a crucial role in Margarita's transformation.

Character Descriptions

Woland

Woland is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who exudes power and charisma. His piercing eyes and commanding presence instill fear and fascination in those around him.

Margarita

Margarita is depicted as a beautiful and determined woman. Her elegance and inner turmoil are captured through her actions and unwavering love for the Master.

The Master

The Master is a complex character, tormented by his own creations and the societal constraints that stifle his artistic expression. He is portrayed as a passionate and introspective individual.

Behemoth

Behemoth takes the form of a large black cat and is characterized by his mischievous nature and quick wit. He often serves as a source of comic relief amidst the dark events unfolding in the story.

Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate is portrayed as a conflicted and tormented historical figure, grappling with profound moral dilemmas and the weight of his decisions.

Ivan Bezdomny

Ivan is initially depicted as a skeptical and rational individual, but his encounters with Woland lead to a transformation in his character.

Koroviev

Koroviev embodies cunning and duplicity, often using his charm and wit to manipulate those around him.

Hella

Hella is portrayed as a loyal and compassionate friend to Margarita, who undergoes her own profound transformation over the course of the story.

Character Traits

Woland

  • Charismatic
  • Manipulative
  • Mysterious
  • Powerful

Margarita

  • Loyal
  • Resilient
  • Compassionate
  • Determined

The Master

  • Passionate
  • Tormented
  • Idealistic
  • Creative

Behemoth

  • Witty
  • Mischievous
  • Playful
  • Loyal to Woland

Pontius Pilate

  • Tormented
  • Contemplative
  • Authoritative
  • Morally conflicted

Ivan Bezdomny

  • Skeptical
  • Rational
  • Transformative
  • Resilient

Koroviev

  • Deceptive
  • Charming
  • Manipulative
  • Loyal to Woland

Hella

  • Loyal
  • Compassionate
  • Supportive
  • Transformed

Character Background

Woland

Woland's origins and true nature remain shrouded in mystery, adding to his enigmatic and unsettling presence. His motivations and ultimate goals are often obscured, leaving the characters and readers alike to grapple with his enigmatic nature.

Margarita

Margarita hails from a privileged background but is burdened by the absence of her beloved Master. Her enduring love and unwavering loyalty drive her to extraordinary lengths in her pursuit of his well-being and artistic freedom.

The Master

The Master's background is characterized by artistic struggle and societal repression. His experiences have shaped him into a passionate yet tortured individual, driven by a desire to create meaningful work and defy the constraints imposed by the authorities.

Behemoth

Behemoth's background remains a mystery, adding to his whimsical and enigmatic nature. His loyalty to Woland and penchant for mischief hint at a complex backstory.

Pontius Pilate

As a historical figure, Pontius Pilate's background is rooted in the complexities of Roman rule and the moral dilemmas inherent in his position. His portrayal in the Master's novel reflects the author's own contemplations on guilt and redemption.

Ivan Bezdomny

Ivan's background as a struggling poet and his initial skepticism towards Woland's powers stem from a rational and questioning mindset. His transformation unfolds as he grapples with the inexplicable events that unfold in the story.

Koroviev

Koroviev's background and motivations are shrouded in secrecy, aligning with his role as a deceptive and manipulative character in Woland's retinue.

Hella

Hella's background as Margarita's loyal friend and confidante hints at a supportive and compassionate nature, which becomes pivotal in the transformation of both characters.

Character Arcs

Woland

Woland's arc is characterized by a pervasive sense of mystery and power. His interactions with the other characters propel the narrative forward, with his true intentions and ultimate impact on the characters and society at large remaining a source of intrigue and speculation.

Margarita

Margarita undergoes a profound transformation fueled by her unwavering love for the Master. Her journey from a woman burdened by longing to a figure of strength and agency is central to the thematic exploration of love, sacrifice, and personal liberation.

The Master

The Master's arc revolves around his pursuit of creative freedom and the emotional tumult stemming from his love for Margarita. His evolution from a broken and disillusioned writer to a figure of resilience and artistic conviction drives the narrative forward.

Behemoth

Behemoth's arc is characterized by his whimsical and mischievous presence, providing moments of levity amidst the darker themes of the story. His loyalty to Woland and his unpredictable nature contribute to the story's unfolding dynamics.

Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate's arc, as depicted in the Master's novel, serves as a poignant exploration of guilt, responsibility, and redemption. His interactions with Yeshua Ha-Notsri and the weight of his decisions shape a compelling narrative within the broader story.

Ivan Bezdomny

Ivan's arc is marked by a transformative journey from skepticism to acceptance of the supernatural events unfolding around him. His evolution reflects the broader themes of belief, skepticism, and the nature of reality.

Koroviev

Koroviev's arc intertwines with his role as a deceptive and manipulative character, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding events and interactions with the other characters.

Hella

Hella's arc is intertwined with Margarita's transformation, reflecting themes of loyalty, friendship, and personal empowerment.

Relationships

Woland and Margarita

Woland's enigmatic and unsettling presence exerts a profound influence on Margarita, challenging her perceptions and catalyzing her transformative journey. Their interactions are layered with tension and a sense of inevitability, driving the narrative towards its climactic resolution.

Margarita and The Master

Margarita's unwavering love for the Master fuels her relentless pursuit of his well-being and artistic freedom. Their bond serves as a poignant anchor amidst the tumultuous events and societal upheaval depicted in the story.

Behemoth and Woland

Behemoth's loyalty to Woland is unwavering, and their dynamic adds a touch of dark humor and unpredictability to the unfolding events. Their interactions underscore the power dynamics within Woland's retinue.

Pontius Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Notsri

The complex and transformative relationship between Pontius Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Notsri serves as a narrative within the larger story, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of divine purpose.

Ivan Bezdomny and Woland

Ivan's skepticism and subsequent encounters with Woland drive his transformative arc, shaping a dynamic relationship that challenges his rational worldview and confronts him with the supernatural.

Koroviev and Hella

Koroviev's deceptive nature and his interactions with Hella contribute to the unfolding dynamics of the story, adding layers of tension and intrigue within the broader narrative.

This comprehensive character analysis delves into the intricate web of relationships, character arcs, and thematic explorations present in "The Master And Margarita," offering a nuanced understanding of the characters' roles, motivations, and interactions within the captivating narrative.