Character Sketch of Gerasim | The Servant

Character Sketch from JKBOSE Class 10 English Short Story 3 – The Servant of Gerasim

A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Gerasim from JKBOSE Class 10 English Tulip Book Short Story 3 – The Servant

Related: 

• The Servant Summary and Explanation
• The Servant Question Answers

Character Sketch of Gerasim

Gerasim is the main character in S.T. Semyonov’s story “The Servant.” He’s a young guy trying to find work during the tough winter in Moscow. Even though he’s been out of a job for weeks and is dealing with his own struggles, he stays hopeful. What really sets Gerasim apart is his kindness and strong sense of right and wrong. He’s in desperate need of work. 

When his friend Yegor helps him get a job as a servant, Gerasim discovers that it means someone else, Polikarpych, who is older and also needs the job, will lose his position. After hearing about Polikarpych’s difficulties and how painful it must have been for him to be let go after years of hard work, Gerasim feels bad for him. In the end, Gerasim decides to give up the job to help Polikarpych, showing his deep compassion. This choice shows Gerasim’s true character and the strength of his morals. He embodies the dignity of working people and the importance of selflessness in a tough world. His story reminds us that our true nature shows not during easy times, but when things get hard, and that acts of kindness can take a lot of courage.

Questions related to the Character of Gerasim

1. Who is Gerasim and what situation is he facing at the beginning of the story?
2. How does Gerasim show hope and strength despite being unemployed during winter in Moscow?
3. What role does Yegor play in helping Gerasim?
4. Why does Gerasim hesitate to accept the servant job offered to him?
5. How does Gerasim learn about Polikarpych’s condition and what effect does it have on him?
6. What does Gerasim’s decision to give up the job reveal about his moral values?
7. How does Gerasim represent the dignity and strength of the working class?
8. What lesson does Gerasim’s sacrifice teach us about compassion and selflessness?
9. In what ways is Gerasim’s character different from others in the story?
10. How does the story show that true character is revealed in difficult times?