Staff Captain Rybnikov

Brief Overview

In Alexander Kuprin's novella «Staff Captain Rybnikov», the story unfolds around a mysterious figure who appears in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century. Staff Captain Rybnikov, posing as a Russian officer, is actually a Japanese spy. He leads a double life, gathering information for the Japanese government. Outwardly, Rybnikov looks like a typical Russian officer, but his behavior and manners sometimes arouse suspicion among those around him. Ultimately, he is exposed and chooses death over capture. The novella explores themes of patriotism, betrayal, and human identity.