Viktor Shtrum

Viktor is a nuclear physicist at the Scientific Institute in Moscow. He first appears in the novel working out of the Scientific Institute's makeshift laboratory in Kazan, to where he and his fellow researchers have been evacuated from Moscow. Affected by the death of his mother, his discontent with the social restrictions around him due to Stalin's censorship, and his alienation from his wife and family, Viktor gradually loses motivation in working out his scientific theories. He rediscovers a passion for them after participating in risky, yet free, political conversations at a friend's house. His renewed interest allows him to formulate his unprecedented scientific theory.

Viktor later faces censorship from the Scientific Institute itself as it becomes more and more controlled and administered through the Soviet Central Committee. His abstract and idealist scientific theories are at odds with the Soviet regime's push for practical application. His resistance...