person
Nikifor Filimonych
also: Никифор Филимоныч
A former household serf of the late Prince Svintsov, now an old man who tells embellished tales of his master's exploits to a young barmaid for drinks and company. The story's title, "The Retired Slave," names his condition: freed from bondage but still performing servility from habit.
Reading notes
- The Retired Slave §2 Nikifor Filimonych
The title character: a former household serf/servant of the late Prince Svintsov, now an old man who spins tales of his former master's exploits for drinks and an audience. "Retired slave" (otstavnoy rab) is Chekhov's ironic label for a freed serf who still performs servility from habit.