The Birds Fall Down: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Birds Fall Down" explores complex relationships and moral dilemmas through its major characters, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal turmoil. The protagonist, Laura Rowan, is a perceptive eighteen-year-old torn between her responsibilities and the shocking truths she uncovers about those around her, particularly concerning the spy Kamensky. Count Nikolai Diakonov, a former czarist minister, grapples with his stubborn nature as he faces betrayal, leading to his tragic demise. His wife, Countess Sofia, struggles with her failing health and the strains of her marriage, showcasing the emotional weight of aging and illness. Tania Rowan, Laura’s mother, navigates a troubled marriage while ultimately deciding to return to Russia, reflecting themes of familial loyalty and sacrifice. Edward Rowan, Laura's father, is depicted as distracted and emotionally distant, caught in an affair that distances him from his family. Vassili Chubinov, an embittered revolutionary, embodies the conflict between loyalty and betrayal, culminating in his violent confrontation with Kamensky, the novel's enigmatic antagonist. This rich tapestry of characters highlights the intersections of personal and political struggles, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of truth and trust.
The Birds Fall Down: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rebecca West
First published: 1966
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, Paris, a French train, and a provincial French town
Plot: Political
Time: The early twentieth century
Laura Rowan, an eighteen-year-old woman who is half English and half Russian. Beautiful, intelligent, and quiet, Laura is a perceptive observer of the people around her and is responsible beyond her years. When she accompanies her grandfather on a train and hears Chubinov's declaration that Kamensky is a traitor, her imagination runs wild with scenes of Kamensky killing her because she knows the truth. These imaginings, it is later revealed, are warranted. She must decide how to deal with Chubinov's information and his scheme to murder Kamensky. At the novel's end, she decides to leave London and live with her mother in Russia.
Count Nikolai Nikolaievitch Diakonov (nih-koh-LAY nih-koh-LAY-eh-vihch dya-KOH-nov), a former minister in the czar's government, living in exile in Paris for reasons of which he is unaware. A tall, broad, elderly man, he is stubborn and cantankerous despite his failing health. His death, halfway through the novel, is caused in part by Chubinov's revelation that Kamensky is a traitor and spy.
Countess Sofia Andreievna Diakonova (SOH-fyah ahn-DREH-ehv-nah dya-KOH-noh-vah), his wife. Once beautiful, the small, slight countess is now ugly and weak, partly because of her age and partly because of a serious illness, presumably cancer. In an attempt to hide her radium treatments from her husband, Sofia convinces him to take a trip to the coast to visit relatives.
Tania Rowan, Laura's mother, the count's daughter, who lives in London. Unusually good looking, Tania is tormented throughout the novel because her marriage is failing. Although distracted, she is nevertheless a caring mother to her daughter and a devoted daughter to her aging parents. At the novel's end, she decides not only to leave her husband but also to return to Russia, thus abandoning her sons and her life in London.
Edward Rowan, Laura's father, a young member of Parliament. Handsome and somewhat celebrated for his position in the British government, Edward seems interested only in Susie Stainton, his wife's former protegée, with whom he is presumably having an affair. Although he goes to France when Laura summons him by telegram, he is distracted and cold toward his family.
Vassili Iulevitch Chubinov (vah-SEE-lee YEW-leh-vihch chuh-BIH-nov), the son of a minor Russian aristocrat who knew Diakonov when they were both living in Russia. A middle-aged, middle-sized, unkept man, Chubinov has dedicated his life to revolutionary activities. After tailing Laura and her grandfather onto the train, he confronts them and speaks at length about his past associations with Diakonov. Finally, he reveals that Kamensky is a spy, an allegation that the count tries to deny but that greatly upsets him. At the end of the novel, Chubinov shoots Kamensky in the street because he believes that Kamensky intends to kill Laura.
Alexander Gregorievitch Kamensky (greh-GOHR-yehvihch KAH-mehn-skih), also known as Gorin, Kaspar, and Sasha, the count's secretary and confidant. A small Russian man in his early forties, Kamensky is a superb confidence artist. For years, he has worked for Diakonov, endearing himself to both the count and his wife. If Chubinov's story is correct, Kamensky actually was spying against them. He is murdered by Chubinov.