The Master and Margarita

Mysterious foreigner who claims expertise in black magic and historical manuscripts, engages in philosophical debate with Berlioz and Homeless. Professor reveals he was present at Pontius Pilate's balcony and garden, claims immediate arrival in Moscow, and mentions a seventh proof of the devil's existence The professor pretends not to understand Russian, denies being German or a professor, and flees with a cat and the choirmaster.

Young poet accompanying Berlioz, engaged in a debate about Jesus and encounters a mysterious foreign professor. Homeless observes the professor’s madness and the tram accident, remains alive Ivan suffers paralysis, chases the foreign professor, encounters a cat, enters apartment 13, experiences a bathroom misunderstanding, swims in the Moscow River and loses his clothes. Returned to Griboedov's, now described as barefoot, wearing a torn Tolstoy blouse, striped drawers, carrying a lit wedding candle, with a fresh scratch on his cheek, and delivering a frantic speech about a mysterious consultant who killed Berlioz. Behaves violently, claims he is healthy, shouts at the doctor, reveals he is 23, was in his underwear after swimming in the Moscow River, attempts to call police, speaks of a foreign consultant linked to Pontius Pilate, is sedated and diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcoholism, and is transferred to a private room for observation. Ivan awakens in a psychiatric clinic, undergoes a full medical examination, meets the chief doctor, is offered paper and pencil, and is advised to remain in the clinic for his own safety. Ivan receives an injection, calms down, sees a rainbow, reflects on his situation, and experiences an internal dialogue before falling asleep. Provides extensive dialogue with the mysterious visitor, confirms his poet profession and nickname 'Homeless', and learns about the visitor's past. After many years, Homeless follows a ritual each spring full moon at Patriarch’s Ponds, experiencing visions and a nightly pilgrimage to a mysterious mansion.

Editor of a literary journal, meets the poet at Patriarch’s Ponds and experiences a strange apparition. Berlioz is killed by a tram; his severed head is found on the street His severed body is described in the morgue and his death prompts grief among the writers at Griboedov's. Mentioned as dead, run over by a tram at Patriarch’s Ponds.

High priest of the Sanhedrin who discusses release of Bar‑Rabban.

Commander of the legion, provides troop dispositions.

Centurion, nicknamed Ratslayer, enforces Pilate's orders, physically brutal. Mark Ratslayer commanded the infantry on the second level, wore silver lion‑muzzle plaques, let soldiers use water‑soaked headbands, and remained atop the hill throughout the execution. Centurion Mark Ratslayer holds a torch on the balcony and interacts briefly with Pilate.

Tax collector who became Yeshua's companion. Matthew Levi observed the execution, recorded notes, attempted a rescue, survived the storm and left the hill, remaining alive. Matthew Levi witnessed the burial, refused arrest, helped place rings on the bodies, and will assist in the investigation of Judas's murder. Appeared as a disciple sent by 'He', requested Woland to bring the Master and Margarita to peace rather than death, and then vanished after Woland's order.

Roman procurator of Judea who presides over the trial of Yeshua, displays pain and indecision. Referenced by Homeless as part of the foreign consultant's story. Referred to as the central figure of the Master's novel and as someone the Master met at the Patriarch's Ponds. Pilate (the Procurator) negotiates with the secret service head, debates city mood, discusses Bar‑Rabban, plans legion withdrawal, and orders protection of Judas of Kiriath. Pilate spends a restless night on the balcony, dreams of a moonlit road, learns of Judas's murder and burial location, and receives a bag of money from Aphranius. Appeared on the terrace as a tattered, clay‑covered man in a chiton; Woland addressed him as a former tax collector and they debated shadows and evil. Pilate appears as a seated, deaf man tormented by insomnia, longing to speak with Yeshua and despising his immortality.

Accused man from Galilee, bound, interrogated by Pilate, claims innocence. Mentioned in the Master's recounting of his novel's historical backdrop. Yeshua was executed on Bald Mountain; after being given a drink he was pierced in the heart and died amid thunder and a storm. Yeshua is referenced during discussion of his execution and his refusal of wine before hanging. Yeshua is referenced as the figure Pilate wishes to converse with about unfinished words.

Female driver of the tram that crashes into Berlioz, wearing a crimson armband

A bearded man watches Ivan at the river, guards his clothes, then disappears with his belongings.

Ex‑choirmaster with a broken pince‑nez interferes with Ivan, shouts “Help!” then joins the professor and cat and escapes on a bus.

A young girl opens the door of apartment 13 for Ivan and leaves without questioning him.

A naked woman in the bathroom mistakes Ivan for Kiriushka and tells him to leave.

A large cat walks on hind legs, tries to board a tram, negotiates with a conductress and rides on a tram’s rear coupling while fleeing with the professor and choirmaster.

The conductress forbids the cat from entering the tram and forces it to disembark.

Introduced as the Massolit assistant who returns from the morgue, installs himself in Berlioz's office, and is rumored to replace Berlioz.

Leads the psychiatric examination, questions Homeless, orders sedation, diagnoses schizophrenia and alcoholism, and arranges transfer to a private room. The chief psychiatrist is identified as Doctor Stravinsky, who conducts Ivan’s interview, uses the phrase “very nice”, and directs staff to provide Ivan with writing materials while advising him to stay in the clinic. The doctor administers an injection to Ivan and assures him his distress will end. Administers injection to Nikanor and oversees his stay in the clinic. The chief doctor is referenced in the investigation context but receives no new specific information.

Agitated poet present at the clinic, interacts with the doctor and Homeless, later forced onto a truck, reflects on his failed poetry, and drinks alone at Griboedov’s.

Fills paperwork, provides a broken candle and an icon, operates a button that releases a sealed ampoule, and assists with injecting ether into Homeless. The nurse assists Ivan upon waking, provides a bath, clothing, and a meal, and later serves him coffee and food after his examination. Praskovya closes blinds, gathers Ivan's scattered pages, and alerts the doctor during the storm. Nurse who supplies light and reveals she stole keys a month earlier, enabling the Master's balcony access. Comforts Nikanor during his injection and later in his dream sequence.

Interpreter for the foreigner Woland who appears in apartment 50, proposes and finalizes a rental contract, provides cash and theatre passes, and manipulates Bosoy throughout the chapter. Appears as the second attacker in the toilet, speaking with the same nasal voice as on the phone, confirming his role in Woland’s troupe. Woland’s checkered assistant who introduces himself as the “gent’s assistant”, steals Rimsky’s watch, and uses magical phrases like “Ein, zwei, drei!”. Admits sending the telegram about Berlioz’s death and points at the cat; displays emotional breakdown. Koroviev, now in formal attire with a monocle, guides Margarita to become hostess of the ball and explains the tradition and the fifth dimension. Koroviev continuously advises Margarita, guides her through the ball, whispers and chants “delighted”, introduces guests, and holds her arm during the chaos. Koroviev orchestrates the card‑game test, comments on Margarita's wish, and hands her the notebook and savings book. Commented on the police arrival and interacted with the cat during the confrontation. Caused chaos at the currency store after the fire and later debated with Sofya Pavlovna at Griboedov’s restaurant veranda, praising the shop and urging the crowd. Returned with Behemoth carrying a gold‑framed landscape, a half‑burnt cook’s smock and a whole salmon, claiming to have looted Griboedov’s building and saying it will be rebuilt. Koroviev critiques Behemoth’s whistle, performs an exaggerated stretch and his own whistle, and comments on the events with sarcasm. Koroviev now appears as a dark‑violet knight with a gloomy, unsmiling face, riding beside Woland. Koroviev identified as a key member of the hypnotist gang responsible for numerous crimes, including murders, arson, and manipulation of perception.

Chairman of the tenants' association who deals with Berlioz's estate, confronts Koroviev, signs a rental contract for Woland, and later hides money in a ventilation duct amidst chaotic events. Experiences a vivid dream in Stravinsky's clinic involving a theatrical trial about turning over currency, sees golden trumpets, a bearded male audience, and interacts with various dream characters.

Bosoy's wife who brings food to the dining room during the chaotic conclusion of the chapter.

Director of the Variety Theatre who wrote a letter to Bosoy authorizing Woland's temporary residence and later traveled to Yalta. Likhodeev is the missing director of the Variety Theatre, subject of Yalta telegrams and rumored to be at a Georgian tavern called ‘Yalta’. Likhodeev was reassigned to Rostov, stopped drinking cheap wine, and adopted a more taciturn lifestyle avoiding women.

Tenant of apartment 11 who reports Bosoy's alleged speculation in foreign currency and mentions hidden money in a ventilation duct.

Mysterious foreign artist who intends to stay in apartment 50 for a week, pays a high rent, and provides a passport for temporary registration. Arrives at the Variety Theatre in a black half‑mask and long tailcoat, brings a magical armchair, performs a money‑rain trick and other conjurings. The hooded man (Woland) watched the execution from a three‑legged stool, later departed with the tribune and the head of the temple guard. Woland is referred to indirectly as the distinguished foreigner arranging a midnight meeting with Margarita. Woland, in a patched nightshirt with a beetle amulet, hosts the ball, suffers knee pain treated by Hella, and shows a magical globe depicting world events; he introduces Abaddon. Woland appears on a dais at the climax, uses his sword as a cane, offers Margarita a cup of blood, drinks it, transforms his attire, and orchestrates the final moments of the Great Ball. Woland hosts a midnight supper, grants Margarita a single wish, refuses to aid Frieda, gives her a golden horseshoe, and arranges the Master's return in the basement. Present in Apartment No. 50 during the cat battle, overseeing the surreal confrontation. Appeared disguised as a long citizen in a checkered suit with a black cat at the currency store, orchestrating the chaos. Sat on a terrace using his sword as a sundial, conversed with Azazello and Matthew Levi, ordered Azazello to fetch the Master and Margarita, and announced a storm that darkened Moscow. Margarita exclaims “Great Woland!” confirming his presence in the chapter. Woland commands the riders on Sparrow Hills, orders the Master’s farewell, points to the city, and his cloak obscures the sky as Moscow disappears. Woland instructs the Master to finish his novel, then bids farewell and departs with his retinue, causing Moscow’s destruction. Woland vanished after leaving Moscow from Sparrow Hills at sunset and never returned, prompting a massive investigation that blamed a gang of hypnotists led by him.

Short, fat, cat‑like man who attacks Varenukha in the toilet, member of Woland’s retinue. Rescues Poplavsky, uses a chicken leg as a weapon against him, then orders Poplavsky to leave Moscow and abandon his claim on the apartment. Azazello appears on a bench, reveals his name, confirms the Master is alive and gives Margarita a golden ointment box with instructions for a midnight meeting. Azazello provides Margarita with a magical cream and gives her instructions via phone for her transformation and flight. Azazello appears in a tailcoat at Woland's bedroom, bows gallantly to Margarita, and participates in the chess scene. Azazello appears alongside Margarita, stands beside her during the ball, helps her move between rooms, and takes part in the final dais with Woland. Azazello provides two guns for the shooting test, fires at the pillow, and later serves drinks to the Master. Drank cognac, participated in the cat’s fight, and remarked on the police situation. Left the terrace on Woland's command to arrange taking the Master and Margarita, having previously stood motionless beside Woland. Azazello arrives with Falemian wine, poisons both Margarita and the Master, then revives them, announces the storm, and invites them on an excursion. Azazello arrives with the Master and Margarita on his cloak, alights beside the group, and remains present during the farewell scene. Azazello appears in his true demonic form, a cold‑faced killer‑demon of the waterless desert. Azazello is mentioned as part of Woland’s retinue and implicated in the gang’s activities.

Name used in telephone conversation with Varenukha, possibly an alias for Likhodeev. Ivan Savelyevich also left the Variety after a clinic stay and gave up his work due to the lingering memory of black magic.

Uniformed woman delivering “super‑lightning” telegrams to Rimsky and Varenukha. Runs past the bookkeeper shouting nonsensical phrases, triggers a crash of dishes, and contributes to the bewildering atmosphere in the commission office.

Appears after the robbers, places cold palms on Varenukha’s shoulders and offers a kiss before he faints.

Introduced as the financial director of the Variety Theatre, concerned with contracts and mysterious telegrams. Findirector of the Variety Theatre; observes foreign magician arrival; experiences dead telephone lines; has his gold watch stolen by Woland's assistant. Rimsky, the Variety Theatre director, endures a chaotic street scene, receives a mysterious lewd phone warning, confronts Varenukha, witnesses supernatural phenomena, and escapes the building, ultimately boarding a train. Found in Hotel Astoria, requested bullet‑proof protection, and was transferred to Moscow under guard. Rimsky left the Variety and took a post at a children’s marionette theatre in Zamoskvorechye, after his wife submitted his dismissal request.

Introduced as the energetic administrator of the Variety Theatre, handling telegrams and searching for Styopa. Varenukha arrives at Rimsky’s office at midnight, displays a bruised, pallid appearance, lies about Likhodeev, fails to cast a shadow, and eventually floats out the window as supernatural events unfold. Administrator who lied out of fear, was beaten by two men, spent two days in Apartment No. 50 as a tip‑off vampire, and begged for a bullet‑proof cell. Varenukha enjoys universal popularity, is addressed as “father‑benefactor,” and his telephone voice is described as soft and sad.

Chairman of the Acoustics Commission who demands an exposure of Woland’s tricks and interrogates the magician about his past night’s activities. Chairman of the Acoustics Commission who received a cryptic phone call, testified about the Variety seance and identified the masked magician as Woland.

Fat black cat, walks on hind legs, performs tricks, and later tears the master of ceremonies’ head off before re‑attaching it. The black cat speaks, dons glasses, issues Poplavsky’s passport, commands Azazello, and issues official threats. Behemoth the cat wears a white bow‑tie, opera glasses, and gilded whiskers, holds a chess knight, and engages in a philosophical chess dialogue. Behemoth rubs Margarita’s soles, bursts into the scene, performs magical actions with Neptune’s mouth, drinks cognac, and participates in the surreal ball festivities. Behemoth partakes in the supper, cuts pineapple, throws a second glass of alcohol, and reacts during the gun‑test. Engaged in a chaotic gunfight with police, faked a wound, drank benzene to recover, and escaped through a window with his primus. Joined Koroviev in the currency‑store disturbance, devoured mandarins and herring, set the confectionery counter ablaze, and later attended the Griboedov veranda. Arrived with a salmon, a burnt smock and a landscape, commenting on the fire at Griboedov’s and labeling himself a looter. Behemoth, bored initially, whistles loudly, causing chaos that throws Margarita and damages the pier, then later joins Woland’s departure with guffaws. Behemoth transforms from a fluffy cat into a slim youth demon‑page, losing his tail and fur. The chapter notes the mass killing of black cats, many of which were victims of Woland’s gang.

Plump master of ceremonies at the Variety Theatre, introduces acts, has his head torn off by Behemoth and later expelled from the stage. The master of ceremonies is noted as having been taken to a psychiatric hospital after yesterday’s scandalous seance. Bengalsky retired from the Variety after a clinic stay, lives on savings, and suffers monthly anxiety during the full moon.

Critic who warned that the Master attempted to publish an apology for Jesus.

Editorial secretary who informs the Master about the publishing status of his manuscript.

Critic who wrote an article titled 'A Militant Old Believer' about the Master's novel. Latunsky is identified as the target of Margarita’s vengeance in Dramlit House. Latunsky is mentioned as a critic whose apartment Margarita claims to have destroyed.

Writer on the editorial board who evaluated the Master's manuscript.

Mysterious patient who enters Ivan's room via stolen keys and reveals himself as a former museum historian and author of a novel about Pontius Pilate. Margarita possesses his photograph, bank book and a charred manuscript, confirming his existence and that he is alive. The Master appears in hospital clothes, ill and weak, his manuscript about Pontius Pilate is burned, and he is later restored after drinking from a glass. The Master is poisoned by Falemian wine, revived by Azazello, declares it is time to go, vows never to forget his novel, and asserts he will not be missed. The Master runs to the hill’s edge, experiences a cascade of emotions while observing Moscow, gesticulates anxiously, and finally confirms his farewell to Woland. The Master finishes his novel with a single triumphant phrase, is freed, and is granted an eternal peaceful home.

Appears in the dream as Dunchil's mistress who possessed a valuable necklace and cash.

Acts as the host of the surreal theatrical trial in Nikanor's dream, directing the audience and questioning participants about their hidden currency.

Appears in the dream and voluntarily offers to turn over his hidden currency to the theatre's master of ceremonies.

Appears in Nikanor's dream as a stubborn man refusing to turn over his hidden currency.

Ash‑coloured, intelligent‑eyed dog known as Ace of Diamonds appears in the findirector’s office, growls, howls, leads staff to a cab stand, and is then taken away.

Personal secretary of Prokhor Petrovich, found in the commission office sobbing with lipstick smeared, clutches the bookkeeper’s jacket and pleads for help amid the chaos.

Rimsky’s wife bursts into the Variety Theatre sobbing and wringing her hands after the chaotic disappearance of staff, is briefly comforted and then sent home.

Chairman of the Commission on Spectacles and Entertainment, heard only as a disembodied voice from behind a closed office door during the investigation, associated with an empty suit that writes on paper. Returned to his suit after police arrived, approved resolutions drafted during his brief absence.

Bookkeeper of the Variety Theatre who becomes senior member after the director, findirector and administrator disappear, leads the crisis response, reports to the Commission with a 21,711‑rouble cash bundle, endures bizarre cab driver encounters, witnesses the investigation and the dog Ace of Diamonds, and sees the mysterious voice of chairman Prokhor Petrovich and his secretary Anna Richardovna.

Barman of the Variety Theatre who visits apartment No. 50, meets a scantily‑dressed girl, experiences a surreal dinner with the magician, and later is chased by strange events.

Woman with a green bag who offers the barman his hat and a sword, later referred to as ‘the accursed Hella.’ Hella, the witch, stirs a pot and applies ointment to Woland's knee in the bedroom scene. Hella douses Margarita with hot thick red liquid (blood) and later draws her into a blood shower during the ritual before the ball. Hella serves supper, places the card under a pillow, and later helps with the certificate for Nikolai Ivanovich.

Uncle of recently deceased Berlioz who travels from Kiev to Moscow to claim his nephew’s apartment; encounters Koroviev, a talking cat, and Azazello; endures a bizarre passport incident and survives a violent chicken‑leg assault before fleeing.

Neurologist consulted by Professor Kuzmin for the barman’s case.

Physician who treats the barman’s head injury, prescribes tests, and later experiences supernatural disturbances in his office.

Appears in the stairwell of Sadovaya Street building asking for apartment No. 50, then disappears.

Assistant who helps Kuzmin with a stray kitten and later escorts the barman.

Darya is mentioned by Natasha as a liar.

Margarita Nikolaevna, a 30‑year‑old wife of a prominent specialist, is introduced as the Master’s beloved, grieving, and later meets Azazello. Margarita uses a magical cream from Azazello, rejuvenates, gains ability to fly, writes a farewell note to her husband, and departs the house. Margarita gains the ability to become invisible and fly on a broom, and embarks on a destructive spree in Dramlit House. Margarita is appointed as hostess of Woland's ball and learns she must be named Margarita; she discovers her royal lineage and explores an enormous hall in apartment 50. Margarita undergoes a transformative ritual: bathed in blood and rose oil, receives a diamond crown and a heavy chain with a black‑poodle picture, is instructed by Koroviev on ball etiquette, endures an overwhelming crowd of guests, and witnesses Baron Meigel’s death. Margarita asks for Frieda's handkerchief, demands the Master's return, receives a golden horseshoe, and witnesses the Master's revival. Woke after the night’s events, felt physically exhausted but mentally untroubled, and fell asleep on a couch. Margarita declares herself a witch, kisses the Master, recognizes Azazello as the devil’s messenger, and exclaims “Great Woland!” while cloaked over her naked body. Margarita rides side‑saddle on Sparrow Hills, reacts to Behemoth’s whistle, is thrown far, witnesses destruction of the pier and boat, and feels profound sadness before the journey. Margarita guides the Master to his eternal home, promises peace, and vows to watch over his sleep.

Margarita’s husband is a young, handsome specialist who made an important state discovery and is away on a three‑day business trip. Margarita writes a farewell note to her husband announcing her departure and transformation.

Natasha, Margarita’s literate housemaid, shares gossip about a recent seance where participants lost clothing. Natasha assists Margarita with her belongings and reacts to Margarita's transformation and departure. Natasha appears riding a hog and joins Margarita’s chaotic flight. Natasha assists Hella, draws Margarita into the blood shower, comforts her later with smelling salts, and repeatedly appears during the ball’s transitions.

A neighbor seen on a bench who briefly interacts with Margarita before being knocked off by her departure. Nikolai Ivanovich is transformed into a hog and becomes Natasha’s mount during the chapter. Testified about attending Satan’s ball, described Margarita’s naked housekeeper, and asked that his story not be told to his wife.

Abaddon appears as a gaunt man in dark glasses, emerges from a wall, and then vanishes. Abaddon appears among Woland’s retinue at the final dais, standing beside Woland as the ball concludes.

Baron Meigel, an employee of the Spectacles Commission and a spy, is stabbed to death while being offered champagne by Woland. Entered Apartment No. 50 as a guest, later his corpse was found after the fire. The charred bones of Baron Meigel were discovered after the fire in apartment No. 50, confirming his murder.

A queen’s lover described as having poisoned his wife; appears briefly among the ball’s guests.

A young woman repeatedly shouting her own name, interacts with Margarita, and is ushered into the crowd by Koroviev and Behemoth. Frieda appears naked, begs for forgiveness, and is instantly vanished by Woland after Margarita forgives her.

Identified as the conductor of the orchestra playing a polonaise at the Great Ball.

Briefly listed among the ball’s guests as a Moscow dressmaker known for a brothel in Strasbourg.

A poisoner who sold poison water to wives; described with a Spanish boot and a green neck band; appears at the ball and is assisted by Koroviev and Behemoth after a stumble.

His fiery‑bearded face appears as a dominant memory for Margarita amid the overwhelming crowd.

A confirmed counterfeiter, traitor, and alchemist who poisoned a king’s mistress; appears with his spouse and is later stabbed to death during the ball.

Jacques’s spouse kisses Margarita’s foot and is present when Jacques is killed.

Aloisy Mogarych arrives in underwear with a suitcase, is interrogated about a manuscript, and is expelled through a window. Aloisy Mogarych appears briefly at the window, his legs and backside block the light, and he is noted as having been arrested yesterday. Aloisy survived his encounter with Woland, bought trousers near Vyatka, lived on Briusovsky Lane, and later occupied Rimsky’s former office.

Annushka, nicknamed the Plague, prowls the stairwell at night, witnesses miraculous events, and steals a golden horseshoe from a foreigner. Attempted to hand a ten‑dollar bill, claimed a gold‑diamond horseshoe, and denied any knowledge of dollars.

Aphranius, head of the Procurator’s secret service, receives Pilate’s orders and pledges to act on protecting Judas and handling Bar‑Rabban’s status. Aphranius reports the burial of the three executed men, gives detailed information about Judas's death, hands over the money bag, and outlines the next investigative steps.

Bar‑Rabban, a condemned man selected by the crowd for execution, is now deemed harmless.

Judas is a young, handsome money‑changer’s relative, passionate about money, slated to be killed tonight; Pilate seeks his protection. Judas is ambushed near Gethsemane, stabbed by two men, killed, and his money is taken.

Pilate’s loyal dog appears on the balcony, comforts him, and later sleeps beside him. Banga, the sharp‑eared dog, sits anxiously beside Pilate, watching the moon.

Tolmai, Aphranius’s assistant, managed the digging and burial of the three executed men and may have made a mistake.

A stubble‑covered, unwashed young man in a sheepskin hat and Georgian cape arrived from Crimea on a six‑seat plane and was expected by investigators.

Freebooter who personally greeted the duo, drew them a chair, secured balyks, and remained composed during the ensuing fire.

Famous chronicler who joined the veranda crowd, whispered ominous prophecies about bullets, benzene, and fire, and was later startled by gunfire.

Wife of Petrakov, expressed jealousy over Koroviev, and demanded service at the restaurant.

Imposing man in a white smock who commanded the crowd, whistled to summon people, and shouted at Koroviev during the store incident.

Diner at Griboedov’s restaurant, observed Archibald’s actions, and became jealous of Koroviev’s attention.

Ledger‑keeping waitress on the Griboedov veranda who demanded identification, recorded the visitors’ names, and allowed them to sit.

Vetchinkevich was detained for unknown reasons; described as enormously tall, very swarthy and dark‑haired.