Vassenka Veslovsky

Also known as: Vassenka / Veslovsky · Family: Vronsky circle · Role: sportsman · First appears: PART SIX · Chapter 6

In chapter 163, Vassenka Veslovsky arrived at the Levins’ with Stepan Arkadyevitch instead of the old prince, as “a handsome, stout young man in a Scotch cap.” Stepan Arkadyevitch introduced him as “A capital fellow, and a keen sportsman,” while Vassenka greeted Levin gaily and explained that he and Kitty were cousins and very old friends. In chapter 164, he followed Kitty with smiling, admiring eyes, becoming a suitor in Levin’s eyes and a rival to him; he also spoke favorably of Anna and Vronsky’s home.

During the hunt in chapters 165–167, Vassenka discovered that his pocketbook might be missing, accidentally discharged his gun without hurting anyone, killed a peewit and a grouse, and drove into the marsh until the horses stuck and the wagonette’s mud-guard broke. He later divided from the others to shoot another part of the marsh, then left the marsh, weary, to join the peasants for vodka and food. By chapter 170, Levin had lost his hostility toward him and felt friendly toward him; in chapter 179, Vassenka spoke playfully to Anna while watching her and offered his arm to Princess Varvara before Tushkevitch.