Who is Trofin Zhdanko from Alaska and what is their importance? Alaska_(novel) English & Literature Trofin Zhdanko | Alaska

Trofin Zhdanko was a Cossack under Tsar Peter. In 1723, he was stationed in Takuitsk in eastern Siberia. He had killed the governor and was sentenced to be hanged. He was taken to Vologda and imprisoned. The Tsar came to the prison to see Trofin, whom he knew and trusted. He gave him his freedom. Trofin was twenty-two years of age at the time. The Tsar wanted him to find a good captain, travel to Siberia, build a ship and explore the northern waters. Trofin learned how to read and spent time on the docks in St. Petersburg. He recommended a Dane, Titus Bering, who the Tsar knew and wanted as captain for the ship.