Rothschild's Fiddle

Main Characters and Their Development

• Yakov Ivanov — the main character, a coffin maker and violinist. He lives in poverty and loneliness, his life filled with disappointment and bitterness. After the death of his wife Marfa, Yakov begins to rethink his life and realizes he has missed many opportunities for happiness. Ultimately, he finds solace in music and passes his violin to Rothschild, a Jewish musician, symbolizing his reconciliation with life and people.
• Marfa — Yakov Ivanov's wife. She patiently endures all the hardships and deprivations associated with life with Yakov. Her death becomes a turning point in Yakov's life, prompting him to reflect on his actions and attitude towards people.
• Rothschild — a Jewish musician who plays the flute in an orchestra. At the beginning of the story, Yakov treats him with disdain and hostility, but in the end, after Marfa's death, Yakov gives him his violin, symbolizing a change in his attitude towards people and life.