The Gambler

Main Characters and Their Development

• Alexei Ivanovich - the main character and narrator of the novel. He works as a tutor for the Russian family of General Zagoryansky. Alexei has strong feelings for Polina Alexandrovna, the general's stepdaughter. Throughout the novel, Alexei undergoes numerous trials related to gambling, leading to his moral and financial downfall.
• Polina Alexandrovna - General Zagoryansky's stepdaughter. She is the object of Alexei Ivanovich's affection. Polina is a complex and contradictory character, and her relationship with Alexei is full of tension and ambiguity. At the end of the novel, she leaves, leaving Alexei in uncertainty.
• The General - the head of the family for whom Alexei works. The General is in a difficult financial situation and hopes for an inheritance from his aunt to improve his affairs. His dependence on money and gambling leads to his moral decline.
• Mr. Astley - an Englishman, a friend of Alexei, and one of the few positive characters in the novel. He is in love with Polina and is ready to help her in difficult times. At the end of the novel, Mr. Astley remains true to his principles and continues to support Polina.
• Blanche de Coming - a French adventuress who uses the General for her own selfish purposes. She manipulates him to gain access to his money. At the end of the novel, Blanche leaves with the General, leaving him in even greater financial crisis.