Poltava

Main Characters and Their Development

• Peter I — the Russian emperor who leads his army to victory in the Battle of Poltava. His image in the poem symbolizes the strength, determination, and wisdom of a ruler capable of uniting the people and leading them to great achievements.
• Charles XII — the Swedish king, opponent of Peter I in the Battle of Poltava. His image in the poem represents a courageous and steadfast warrior, but his ambitions and stubbornness lead to defeat.
• Mazepa — the Hetman of Ukraine who sides with Charles XII. His image in the poem is complex and contradictory: on one hand, he is depicted as a traitor, on the other, as a man striving for Ukraine's independence.
• Maria — Mazepa's beloved, who finds herself at the center of political intrigues. Her image in the poem symbolizes purity and loyalty, but also the tragic fate of a woman caught up in historical events.