Poor Folk

Main Characters and Their Development

• Makar Devushkin - a poor clerk beset by financial difficulties. He harbors deep feelings for Varvara Alexeyevna. Makar cares for her, trying to alleviate her difficult situation. His character is marked by kindness, compassion, and unconditional attachment.
• Varvara Alexeyevna Dobroselova - a young woman in a poor and challenging situation. She possesses intelligence and a sensitive soul, striving for education and spiritual expression. Varvara shares Makar's feelings and, through their correspondence, opens up to him, sharing her fears and hopes.