Aliokhin

Aliokhin is a successful farmer who runs a mill. He owns a large, plain house where he employs at least one servant. Aliokhin is described as tall, stout, long-haired, and around forty years old. When his friends Ivan and Bourkin arrive unannounced, he welcomes them gladly and stops working for the day to properly host his guests.

Bourkin

Bourkin is a friend of Ivan's who accompanies him when they visit Aliokhin. Bourkin is a teacher who enjoys listening to Ivan tell stories, and he keeps Ivan from straying too far from the storyline. Bourkin is an even-tempered and mild-mannered man.

Ivan Ivanich

Ivan Ivanich is the central character in "Gooseberries." He is a veterinary surgeon who tells his friends Bourkin and Aliokhin a story about his younger brother, Nicholai.

Ivan is a cynical man who sees his brother as delusional, arrogant, and misguided. Ivan is unable to judge...