The Gift

Main Characters and Their Development

• Fyodor Konstantinovich Godunov-Cherdyntsev - the main character of the novel, a young Russian émigré and aspiring writer. His development in the book is linked to his search for his own literary voice and understanding of his place in the world. Fyodor undergoes many internal and external conflicts, which help him to form as a person and a writer.
• Konstantin Kirillovich Godunov-Cherdyntsev - Fyodor's father, a renowned scholar and traveler. His figure has a significant influence on Fyodor, especially through his works and memories of him.
• Zina Mertz - Fyodor's beloved, who becomes an important part of his life and creativity. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of Fyodor's literary and philosophical reflections.
• Alexander Yakovlevich Chernyshevsky - Fyodor's neighbor and friend, also a writer. His fate and work serve as a contrast and complement to Fyodor's path.