Cancer Ward

Main Characters and Their Development

• Oleg Kostoglotov - the main character, a former soldier and political prisoner who finds himself in an oncology clinic. His battle with illness and reflections on life and death become the central theme of the book. Kostoglotov undergoes internal changes, realizing the value of life and human relationships.
• Vera Gangart - an oncologist treating Kostoglotov. She experiences an internal conflict between her professional duty and personal feelings for the patient. Vera becomes a symbol of compassion and humanity in the book.
• Lyudmila Afanasyevna Dyomkina - a nurse who cares for patients with great dedication. Her character highlights the importance of human involvement and support in the fight against illness.
• Pavel Nikolayevich Ruschinsky - a patient in the clinic alongside Kostoglotov. His story reveals various aspects of human resilience and vulnerability in the face of a terminal illness.
• Asya - a young woman, a patient in the clinic, who tries to maintain optimism and faith in recovery. Her character symbolizes hope and the struggle for life.