Minor Characters

Ivan Kilgas - a friendly Latvian prisoner. He is a sincere and an able worker, who is capable of cunning. He is the prisoner he steals and hides the roofing felt that Ivan and he use to cover the windows at the power plant. Though he is sentenced for twenty- five years in the labor camp, Kilgas is not bitter. His cheerful attitude wins him friends.

Pavlo - the assistant gang boss of 104. Humble and unpretentious, he respects Tyurin and carries out his orders cheerfully. He also befriends Ivan.

Gopchik - a young, energetic, and enthusiastic prisoner. Ivan Denisovich treats him like a surrogate son and guides him in his work.

Senka Klevshin - the deaf prisoner, who lost his hearing during war. He is paired with Ivan to do brick laying at the power plant and proves himself to be a hard worker. Ivan is sympathetic towards him since he cannot hear what is going on.

The Two Estonians - two foreign prisoners, who are inseparable companions. They are friendly and trustworthy. Ivan respects their closeness.

Der - the arrogant foreman at the construction site. He was once a common prisoner, but now enjoys bossing others. He threatens to turn Tyurin in to the authorities for allowing stolen roofing felt to be used, but he backs down when the gang boss threatens to kill him. The Thin Tartar - the cruel prison guard who punishes Ivan for getting up late in the morning.

Lieutenant Volkovoy - a cruel officer in charge of prison discipline. He imposes harsh punishments on the prisoners and makes their life miserable.

Nikolay Semyonovich - the young medic at the hospital who is a student of literature and poetry. He cannot admit Ivan to the hospital, but he takes his temperature and tells him it is normal.

Big Ivan - IvanÂ’s favorite guard. He is kind and sympathetic towards the prisoners.

Prisoner Y-81 - an old prisoner, supposedly the man who has been in prison the longest. Even after years of hard work at the camp, he looks healthy and cheerful. Shukhov admires him for his discipline and determination.

Table of Contents | Printable Version