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Let us know which character you find most compelling, interesting, and full-rounded so far. And let us know what part of Anna Karenina you find yourself situated.

We'll take another poll once we've finished reading the book, because your answer might change.

Note: Although this seems like a simple question, I'd wager you find it quite difficult. Our opinions of these characters change frequently, sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically. One moment we judge a character, then we pity them and understand them.

Also - let me know if your favourite character isn't represented here. These are the key players in Tolstoy's novel, but it's certainly possible that you're drawn to a peripheral protagonist.

Comments

Lindsey Chastain

This was tough between Kitty and Levin. I like Kitty better, but I'm vastly interested in Levin's arc.

The Electric Underground

Anna is my favorite character of the novel easily. She's what bring the novel it's vitality and urgency. Otherwise just reading about Levin's philosophical musings would get pretty old after a while ha.

Cai Vail

At this point (I’m halfway through AK), I’ve been both endeared and frustrated by every central character, though not in equal measure. A sign, I think, of Tolstoy’s genius - they’re all real, fleshed out human beings ~400 pages in. I particularly like the character arc that Karenin has taken in Part 4, that was unexpected and full of psychological interest. Everyone is selfishly motivated, but in different ways. I am hoping that someone will gain some wisdom through all of this drama soon, however! My vote is for Dolly, as she’s the one I relate to most - the scene with her and the kids in the country house and Levin’s visit felt as if it’d been stolen from my diary! I relate to her motherly struggle, and am (at the risk of getting too personal) married to a very, very Oblonsky-esque fellow. I was also surprised and impressed that Tolstoy could understand the inner mind of a mother so well. However, I am the most intrigued by Levin’s sections. The contrast of Levin and Vronsky give me some recollections of the two young men in Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons, which had a similar rollercoaster of endearing/frustrating before their arcs were complete.