The Diary of a Madman Characters

Poprishchin, the protagonist of “Diary of a Madman,” is a low-level civil servant with an uninspiring career who is obsessed with social class and status. He is resentful and envious of his superiors, and dismissive… read analysis of Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin

Sophie, an upper-class woman, is the daughter of Poprishchin’s boss and is Poprishchin’s love interest. Poprishchin is infatuated with Sophie, and often writes poetic phrases and verses in his diary about her looks despite… read analysis of Sophie

Medji and Fidèle are two dogs in Poprishchin’s neighborhood. Medji is the lapdog of Sophie, who is the daughter of Poprishchin’s boss. Fidèle’s owner lives in a building owned by a man called… read analysis of Medji and Fidèle

The section chief is one of Poprishchin’s managers. The section chief is critical of Poprishchin’s behavior and professionalism, pointing out Poprishchin’s lack of career advancement despite being forty years old. The section chief is… read analysis of The Section Chief

The love interest of Sophie, the director’s daughter. Teplov is only described through the letters of Medji and Fidèle, so it unclear whether his existence is real, or only part of Poprishchin… read analysis of Teplov