Vasili Ivanovich

Vasili Ivanovich is the main character of the short story. Some indiscriminate amount of time before the narrative present, amidst his work for the narrator, Vasili Ivanovich wins a ticket to take a trip hosted by the Bureau of Pleasantrips. Disinterested in leaving Berlin, Vasili Ivanovich tries selling the ticket. This proves to be too much of a hassle, so Vasili Ivanovich decides to go after all. The night before he is meant to leave, he becomes suddenly overcome by excited hopefulness. He starts imagining the possibilities of discovery some illusory happiness while outside the city.

On his way to the station the next morning, he takes pleasure in riding the street-car and considering the people he might soon be traveling with. While on the train, however, Vasili Ivanovich's pleasant observations and imaginings are interrupted by the group members' abrasive insistence that he join their conversation and...