Mumu characters

Appears from the start

A deaf, non-speaking serf of exceptional strength, brought from field work in the country to serve as a porter at his mistress's Moscow house. His isolation makes him seem formidable to the other servants, but he is conscientious, orderly, and capable of deep attachment.

Appears from the start

An elderly Moscow landowner whose numerous servants organize their lives around her moods. Lonely, arbitrary, and accustomed to unquestioned obedience, she treats the people in her household as pieces to rearrange for her convenience.

Appears from the start

A timid, overworked laundress in the mistress's household. Gerasim becomes attached to her and protects her in his silent, deliberate way, although her fear of him prevents any easy understanding between them.

Appears from the start

A skilled shoemaker whose habitual drunkenness has made him unreliable and self-pitying. He remains one of the mistress's serfs and is unable to refuse the marriage she decides upon for him.

Appears from the start

The mistress's head steward, responsible for turning her passing wishes into orders. Afraid of displeasing her, he shifts the cost of obedience onto servants with less authority, especially Gerasim and Tatiana.

Appears from the start

A small spaniel-like dog rescued by Gerasim from a river. Because he cannot hear or speak, the name he gives her reflects the sound he is able to make. She becomes his constant companion and responds to him with complete trust.