Michael Strogoff characters

First appears in chapter 3

A Siberian-born officer in the imperial courier corps, selected to carry a warning from Moscow to the isolated governor of Irkutsk. He travels under the name Nicolas Korpanoff and must conceal both his mission and his identity. His knowledge of the country, physical endurance, and strict sense of duty equip him for a journey through territory threatened by rebellion.

Also known as Nadia

First appears in chapter 6

A young woman travelling east to join her exiled father in Irkutsk. Quiet, resolute, and inexperienced in the dangers of the route, she accepts Michael's public claim that she is his sister so that they can continue the journey together more safely.

First appears in chapter 2

A former Russian officer who has betrayed the empire and allied himself with the invading Tartars. He plans to reach Irkutsk, deceive its defenders, and settle a personal grievance against the grand duke who once punished him.

First appears in chapter 2

The Tartar emir leading the invasion across Siberia. His advancing forces cut communications with Irkutsk and provide Ivan Ogareff with the army needed for his plot against the city.

First appears in chapter 14

Michael's widowed mother, who lives at Omsk and knows him immediately despite his disguise. Her presence on his route creates a severe test of his promise to keep his identity and mission secret.

First appears in chapter 5

An English newspaper correspondent travelling toward the fighting in search of reliable reports. Reserved and professionally competitive, he repeatedly crosses paths with Michael and with his French rival, Alcide Jolivet.

First appears in chapter 5

A resourceful French correspondent who treats the dangerous journey as both an assignment and a contest with Harry Blount. His lively manner contrasts with the Englishman's reserve, though the two journalists often end up helping one another.

First appears in chapter 2

The czar's brother and governor of Irkutsk. Cut off from Moscow while rebellion spreads through Siberia, he is the intended recipient of Michael's warning about Ivan Ogareff.

First appears in chapter 6

Nadia's father, a doctor living in exile at Irkutsk. Nadia's determination to reunite with him draws her along the same dangerous eastward road as Michael.

First appears in chapter 23

A friendly traveller whom Michael and Nadia encounter after escaping the Tartar camp. He helps them continue east and shares the risks of a country disrupted by invasion.