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Illustrated portrait of Ferfichkin

A character in Notes from Underground

Ferfichkin

A sharp-tongued former schoolmate who most openly mocks and quarrels with the narrator.

What they want in The novella’s account

To enjoy the farewell, defend the group from an insulting intruder, and answer the narrator’s claims to superiority with mockery.

The book

Cover of Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Notes from UndergroundFyodor Dostoevsky, 1864

A brilliant, spiteful narrator argues against reason while sabotaging every chance at connection.

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At a glance

Connection
Former schoolmate
Event
Zverkov’s farewell
Conflict
Mocks and challenges the narrator

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Ferfichkin is smaller, quick to ridicule, and willing to answer hostility with hostility. His exchange with the narrator brings the dinner close to a challenge or fight.

He is not the cause of the narrator’s misery, but his contempt supplies exactly the injury the narrator arrived expecting and almost seeking.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • Smaller sharp-featured manHis features and build distinguish him from the group.
  • Neat 1860s clothingHe shares their respectable status.
  • Openly mocking expressionHis contempt is not hidden.
  • Quick combative postureHe is ready to answer an insult.
  • Close engraved bustNo dining room or duel appears.
  • Muted rust accentThe sharper color suits confrontation.
What happens to FerfichkinHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

Ferfichkin leaves with the group after the dinner and has no later role in the notes.

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