Character Profiles

Ivan Ilyich Golovin: Ilyich is the main character and subject of the story. 
Praskovya Federovna Golovina: The "short, fat" widow of Ivan Ilyich who (with their daughter) cares very little for her husband and generally considers him a hassle and a nuisance.
Peter Ivanovich and Fedor Vasilievich: Tolstoy describes these colleagues of Ivan Ilyich as his "nearest acquaintances," though they care more about themselves than him.
Gerasim : Gerasim is the butler's assistant, but he is best known for the genuine kindness he shows to his dying master.
Vasya: Ilyich's son, like Gerasim, understands and accepts his father's fate.