A Hero of Our Time: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Hero of Our Time" is a novel that intricately weaves multiple narratives to explore the complexities of its central character, Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin. Pechorin is depicted as an enigmatic figure whose life is narrated through a series of interconnected tales, primarily recounted by two narrators: Maksim Maksimich, an old friend, and the unnamed first narrator, who discovers Pechorin's journal posthumously. The work delves into themes of existentialism and the nature of heroism, with Pechorin embodying a modern anti-hero marked by his cynicism and emotional detachment.
Key characters include the beautiful princess Bela, her younger brother Azamat, and the bandit Kazbich, who play significant roles in Maksim's recollections. Additionally, the second story introduces Princess Mary and her suitor Grushnitski, alongside Vera, a former love of Pechorin, showcasing the intricacies of romantic entanglements. The final tale features Lieutenant Vulich, further enriching the narrative's exploration of relationships and human connections. Through this multifaceted character analysis, the novel invites readers to reflect on the nature of identity and the impact of personal choices within the broader societal context.
A Hero of Our Time: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mikhail Lermontov
First published: Geroy nashego vremeni, serial, 1839; book, 1840 (English translation, 1854)
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Russian Caucasus
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: 1830–1838
The first narrator, the “I” of the novel, who is supposedly the author himself. On a trip, he meets Maksim Maksimich (the second narrator), who tells him of his friendship with Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin (the third narrator). The first narrator comes into possession of Pechorin's journal and, on the diarist's death, publishes from it three tales just as they were written.
Maksim Maksimich (mahk-SIHM mah-SIHM-ihch), the second narrator. He tells to the first narrator the story of his friendship with Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin (the third narrator). Later, scorned by Pechorin, he angrily throws away his friend's diary, which he had been saving, and the journal falls into the hands of the first narrator.
Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin (grih-GOH-rihy ahlehk-SAHN-dro-vihch peh-CHOH-rihn), the third narrator, the “Hero of Our Time.” A companion of Maksim Maksimich at a frontier post in the Caucasus, he later scorns his old friend, who throws away his journal. The diary is rescued by the first narrator, who publishes excerpts from it, thus making Pechorin the third narrator in the novel.
Bela (BEH-luh), a beautiful princess, Azamat (ah-zahMAHT), Bela's younger brother, and Kazbich (kahzBIHCH), a bandit, three characters in Maksim Maksimich's tale of his friendship with Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin.
Yanko (YAHN-ko), a smuggler. He is a character in the first tale from the journal of Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin.
Princess Mary, the daughter of Princess Ligovskoy, Grushnitski (groosh-NIHTS-kihy), Princess Mary's suitor, and Vera (VEE-ruh), a former sweetheart of Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin, three characters from the second tale of Pechorin's journal.
Lieutenant Vulich (VOO-lihch), a Cossack officer in the third tale from the journal of Grigoriy Aleksandrovich Pechorin.