Characters in Demons

Nikolai Stavrogin

A magnetic, morally empty aristocrat, Varvara's son and once Stepan's pupil, whose volatile influence draws others into radical ideas.

Pyotr Stepanovich Verkhovensky

Stepan's son, a nihilist who uses charm and a claimed revolutionary background to take over a provincial circle and drive its conspiracy.

Stepan Trofimovich Verkhovensky

A self-styled progressive and former university lecturer whose radicalism is largely a pose; he tutored Stavrogin and lives as Varvara's companion.

Kirillov

A construction engineer and fanatical thinker, obsessed with a philosophy of suicide and will, who becomes entangled in the group's plans.

Lizaveta Nikolaevna

The daughter of Varvara's childhood friend, connected to Stavrogin through an engagement.

Shigalyov

Ivan Shatov

The independent-minded son of one of Varvara's serfs and a member of Stepan's discussion group, the circle's one figure of sympathy.

Captain Lebyadkin

A newcomer to the province who arrives with his disabled sister Marya, whose presence entangles Stavrogin.

Varvara Stavrogina

A wealthy provincial lady, Stavrogin's mother, who employs Stepan Trofimovich and keeps him close as a companion.

Liputin

A member of Stepan's circle who makes everyone's business his own and moves among the conspirators.