The Queen of Spades

Main Characters and Their Development

• Hermann - a young engineer, rational and calculating, for whom success and wealth are paramount. Throughout the story, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the secret of the three cards, leading to his mental degradation and psychological turmoil.
• The old countess - a mystical figure, the keeper of the secret of the three winning cards. She is portrayed as a person from the past, having lost her human qualities and living only in memories. Her encounter with Hermann turns into a tragedy, ending with her death.
• Lizaveta Ivanovna - a gentle and naive young woman, the countess's niece. She is in search of a better life and happiness, hoping to escape the countess's control. Her relationship with Hermann, who uses her to achieve his goals, serves as a catalyst for her personal growth.