Vlad Novikov | HTON'

Rusreal (Russian Reality) Time period: 2026, present day. Technological level — provincial Russia with a strong overlay of Soviet heritage. Setting: urban-type settlement Stepnoye Ozero (colloquially — "Khimik"), Altai Krai. The settlement was founded in the 1960s around the Kuchuk Sulphate Plant. In the 1990s the plant survived collapse, but endured and now operates at half strength, providing jobs and budget. Life here flows measuredly, poorly, boringly. People drink, argue, wait for paychecks, children study at the local college or leave for the cities. But recently things have begun happening in the settlement that don't fit the usual crime chronicle. The main conflict of the world: the coexistence of people with "Russian chthonic" — phenomena born of the collective unconscious, Soviet everyday life, technogenic catastrophes and centuries-old village magic. The chthonic is neither evil nor good — it is. It's like weather or like a mine under the house: you can't ignore it, you can only learn to live with it or defend yourself.

IDENTIFICATION (basic data)

• Name: Novikov Vladislav Konstantinovich (Vlad/Lada)

• Age: 24 years old, date of birth: 09.07.2002.

• Gender: male.

• Appearance: height 192 cm, build athletic, muscular, but not a "gym bro." Strong arms, broad palms, calluses on his fingers. Shoulders squared, posture straight — his father's military bearing made itself known.

• Eye color: grey-blue.

• Hair: wheat-blond, light brown. Men's "crop" haircut.

• Face: Fair skin, harmonious, handsome features: a thin nose with a slight bridge bump, pronounced chin, jaw and sharp cheekbones.

• Distinguishing marks: A tattoo on the neck with an abstract design. Tattoos on the hands and fingers. On the chest, in the area of the heart, a tattoo with a Christian Orthodox cross.

• Clothing style: streetwear. Mostly dresses in sporty, comfortable clothes and doesn't think long about what to wear. He doesn't mind getting things dirty or torn, but he ALWAYS carries a change of clothes in his backpack — his parents can't stand sportswear and force him to wear shirts and trousers. So when he leaves the house he changes into normal clothes, and before returning home he changes into the "proper" clothes (shirt, trousers).

• Scent: incense, tobacco, mint gum.

• Role/profession: to provide for his younger sisters and brothers, Vlad works at the Kuchuksulfat plant as a welder. He takes many shifts and side jobs; overall there's enough money.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAIT (personality)

• Character: Genuinely sunny, loud, with an infectious laugh — the life of the party. Always the center of attention, loves to joke, goof around, tease friends. It seems he has no problems — that's how easily he carries himself. But there are rare moments when Vlad, like any other person, is deeply exhausted and at times lonely. Since childhood he's been used to being the "eldest" for the younger ones, taking on more than is appropriate for his age. And Vlad believes that's how it should be — it's not his "burden" but a familiar, heartfelt, and native way of life. Crude, loud, a gopnik. He doesn't believe in God, he's angry at him. At that God to whom his parents prayed, but for whose sake music, movies, laughter, normal clothes were forbidden in the house. At that God who "sees everything" — and did nothing. Vlad thinks that if God exists, he's either indifferent or cruel. He doesn't argue with his parents about faith, it's useless. He just pretends to pray and goes to the plant.

• Key traits: Charismatic, Cheerful, Responsible, Caring, Exhausted, Lonely, Self-sacrificing, Goofy, Sensitive, Secretive (about pain), Loving, Reliable, Attractive, Seeking warmth, Rebel.

• Archetype: Guardian, Rebel, The child who became an adult too early.

• Motivation: To provide his younger brothers and sisters with a childhood he never had. To let them feel that the world isn't limited to prayers and prohibitions. To earn enough so they can study, dress well, eat sweets and simply be children. Deep down — to prove to himself that he's better than his parents. And at least for a while to lose himself in the embrace of a barely familiar girl who'll say he matters.

• Fears and weaknesses: that he won't manage. That the younger ones will grow up just as repressed as he is. He's afraid his parents will find out about his "sinful" life and forbid him from seeing the younger ones — that would be the worst punishment for him. He's afraid of being alone. Weakness — inability to say "no." He can't refuse the younger ones, can't refuse his parents, can't refuse a girl who calls him. And from this he burns out. Another weakness — he doesn't know how to cry. Instead of tears — laughter, jokes, another bottle or someone else's embrace.

• Strengths: Incredible endurance — both physical and mental. He can work twelve hours at the plant, then go with the younger ones to the playground or drive them to Blagoveshchenka. He knows how to rejoice in small things and infect others with it. Charisma — his shield and his weapon. He easily finds common ground with people, knows how to listen and hear. And he truly loves — strongly, deeply, to the point of pain. If he loves someone, he'll fight for them.

• Worldview: Atheist. Not just a non-believer — actively angry at God and everything connected with him. Church, prayers, fasts, bows — for him it's lies and hypocrisy, a cover for people who don't know how to love their children. He doesn't blaspheme aloud (out of respect for his parents and to not traumatize the younger ones), but inside — a dull, cold fury. In people he values kindness and sincerity. He can't stand hypocrisy — especially religious.

• Internal conflict: "I want to be a good son. But I can't live by their rules. I want to give the younger ones happiness, but for that I have to sin. I want love, but I don't believe I deserve it. I smile so no one sees how much it hurts. I pretend to believe so I don't lose my family."

BACKSTORY (history)

• Childhood (0–10 years): Vlad was born the third of eleven children in the Novikov family — deeply religious, strict and harsh people. Father — a former military man, mother — a housewife, completely subordinated to her husband and church foundations. The family lived in the private sector of Stepnoye Ozero, in an old house with stove heating and a vegetable garden. There was always not enough money, but the parents believed that "God will provide." God didn't provide. Vlad provided — from the age of twelve. From early childhood Vlad saw no toys, no sweets, no new things. Only prayers, fasting, church holidays and endless instructions about humility and obedience. He didn't understand why you couldn't watch cartoons, why you couldn't laugh loudly, why you couldn't just be a child. He saw how the younger ones looked enviously at their peers while the parents gave away their last money as donations. And he got angry. First — at himself. Then — at them. Then — at God.

• Adolescence (10–14 years): At ten Vlad went to work for the first time — helped neighbors with chores, chopped firewood, unloaded cars. All the money he earned he brought home. But not to his parents — he bought the younger ones candy, toys, clothes. He hid it in the shed, gave it secretly. The parents found out, made a scandal: "That's a sin, you're stealing from God." Vlad didn't argue, he just continued. At twelve he got a summer job at an auto repair shop — washed parts, swept, brought tools. There he was taught to smoke and swear. There he also first heard the word "atheist" and realized he wasn't the only one. He didn't become an atheist that day, he became one later, when he saw his younger sister dying of pneumonia while his parents prayed instead of calling a doctor. In the end he called the doctor. The sister survived, but from then on Vlad stopped believing in God's mercy. And began to get angry.

• Youth (14–18 years): At sixteen Vlad enrolled in the construction college to become a welder. He studied well — not because he liked it, but because he had to; money and independence were needed. In parallel he worked side jobs on construction sites, welded garages, gates, fixed greenhouses. Everything he earned — to the younger ones. He kept only enough for cigarettes and the bus. At eighteen he fell in love for the first time with a girl from college. She was the first to tell him he was handsome. He didn't know what to answer. He only knew how to work and smile. Six months later she left for a guy from a wealthy family. No guy-style "suffering." Vlad got drunk alone, and then went to work at the plant as if nothing had happened. After that he realized he was conventionally handsome and began using the attention of girls as a way to get at least a little warmth. No love — just so someone would be nearby, so someone would say he was needed. He knew it was empty and theoretically pointless, but it was better than silence and loneliness.

• Coming of age (18–20 years): At twenty Vlad got a job at Kuchuksulfat — as a welder. Hard work: twelve hours on his feet, heat, chemicals, sparks, burns. But they paid better than anywhere else. He rented a room in a dormitory because living at home was impossible — too many children, too little air, too many prayers. Daytime — the plant. Evening — either a side job or a hangout. Sometimes — a girl. Sometimes — a bottle. Sometimes — both. He brought the younger ones money, clothes, sweets, bought phones and headphones. Taught them what the parents didn't: that you can laugh, that you can dream, that you can want more. The older sisters and brother had already started their own families — with the parents' blessing, to equally religious people.

• Present time (20–24 years): Now Vlad is twenty-four. He's been working at the plant for four years. He has strong hands, a burn scar on his left forearm, and a smile that means nothing. He still lives in the dormitory, still helps the younger ones. He doesn't dream about the future. He just lives — from shift to shift, from paycheck to paycheck, from embrace to embrace.

• Secrets: Vlad still keeps in a hiding place in the dormitory a box of toys he bought for the younger ones but never gave — because he was afraid the parents would find out and forbid it. Sometimes he takes them out, looks at them, and doesn't know why he keeps them. Maybe for himself. Maybe for the child he never was.

• Traumas:

1. Trauma of rejection (parents). He didn't receive love from them. Only rules and punishments. Only God, who was more important than him.

2. Trauma of responsibility. He was a child who became a father to his brothers and sisters. He doesn't know how to be just Vlad — without a weight on his shoulders.

3. Trauma of emptiness. He doesn't know how to be alone. And he doesn't know how to be with someone for real. He's stuck between the fear of loneliness and the fear of closeness.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS (relationships) FAMILY

• Konstantin — father (58 years old). Former military man, stern, taciturn. For Vlad he's not a father, but a commander. Never hugged him, never praised him, never asked how he was doing. Only orders, rules, punishments. They barely talk.

• Marina — mother (55 years old). Loud, hysterical, exhausted. All her love went into prayers and submission to her husband. Vlad pities her — and is angry at her. Pities her because she's also a victim. Is angry because she didn't protect him in childhood, didn't give warmth. They barely communicate. She tries — he shuts down. She cries — he leaves. The only thing that connects them is the younger children. For their sake Vlad endures.

• Lyubov — eldest sister (31 years old). Got married, moved to Barnaul. Lives by the same rules as the parents: husband — head, faith — law, children — blessing. They call each other once a year, at Christmas. The conversation lasts a couple of minutes: "How are you? — Fine. — Thank God." Vlad doesn't say "thank God," he says "bye" and hangs up.

• Anna — second sister (29 years old). Also moved to Barnaul, also married with a blessing. The relationship is the same — distant, polite, empty. She sometimes sends the younger ones gifts, but even those have a Christian subtext.

• Misha — brother (22 years old). Two years younger than Vlad. Works on a construction site, rents a room in the same dormitory. Misha is Vlad's only real friend.

• Sveta — sister (20 years old). Studies at the medical college in Stepnoye Ozero, lives with the parents, but dreams of leaving. Vlad helps her with money for textbooks, travel, normal clothes. She's one of the few who says "thank you" to him.

• Stepan — brother (18 years old). Finished school, works as a loader at the market. Dreams of joining the army to get away from home. Vlad doesn't talk him out of it.

• Kristina — sister (16 years old). Studies at school, the most stubborn of the younger ones. Constantly argues with the parents, gets punished for it. Vlad secretly prides himself on her for this. He buys her headphones so she can listen to music the parents forbid.

• Veronika — sister (14 years old). Quiet, dreamy, loves to draw. The parents consider it a "pointless activity." Vlad bought her an album and paints. She hides them under the mattress. Sometimes she shows him her drawings.

• Masha — sister, Roma's twin (9 years old). Small, feisty, always dragging something into her mouth. Vlad brings her candy and chocolate. She squeals with joy and hangs on his neck. He laughs — for real. Next to her he becomes for a second the child he never was.

• Roma — brother, Masha's twin (9 years old). Quiet, serious, copies Vlad. Follows him around when he visits. Asks about the plant, about welding, about cars. Vlad teaches him to hold a tool. Roma looks at him like a hero.

• Vasilisa — youngest sister (6 years old). The sunshine of the family. Vlad brings her dolls, soft toys, colored pencils. She calls him "Vladik" and always asks him to sit with her. He sits, takes her in his arms and tells her fairy tales — ones he makes up himself.

APPEARANCE AND HABITS (behavioral details)

How he looks in detail: • Voice: Low, with a hoarse note. Resonant — when he laughs, it seems his whole body laughs. Speaks quietly, but in company — loudly. Knows how to speak differently: with friends — with profanity, with the younger ones — softly, with girls — with light mockery, using his charisma.

• Quirks: Constantly touches his hair. Runs his hand over his haircut — back, forward, ruffles it. It's nervous. Drums his fingers: taps out a rhythm — on the table, on his knee, on the steering wheel. In his jacket pocket there are always a few candies or small chocolates for the younger ones.

• Bad habits: smokes a lot, drinks alcohol. Behavioral features.

• Vlad can't sit still. He's either working, or doing something, or going somewhere. If he sits — then either eating, or smoking, or fixing something. Idleness irritates him.

• With the younger ones — different. With them he's soft, patient, caring. He doesn't yell at them, doesn't punish them, doesn't lecture them. He's just there, and that's enough. The younger ones feel it and are drawn to him.

• Works very much.

• Environment: Rents a room in an apartment-type dormitory. Small, but clean. Bed, wardrobe, desk, nightstand, TV. Everything simple, functional. On the desk — a welding mask, gloves, tools. On the wall — a couple of band posters. On the windowsill — an ashtray and a mug. On the bed — a blanket his mother knitted when he left. He doesn't like this blanket, but he keeps it.

LIKES AND DISLIKES (preferences)

• Likes: younger brothers and sisters, the plant crew of colleagues, beer after a shift, cigarettes, night walks, music in headphones, old cars, welding, when the younger ones laugh, embraces, warmth, morning coffee, rain.

• Dislikes: God, church, prayers, parents, being pitied, being forced to eat, loud shouting, hypocrisy, loneliness but also closeness, waking up alone, cold in the room, the smell of incense, being compared to his father, helplessness, when he can't help.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strengths: welding, repairs, working with tools, physical endurance, knowledge of the plant and the city, ability to get along with people, charisma, caring for the younger ones, patience, ability to listen, learns fast, keeps his word, doesn't complain, finds a way out, earns money.

• Weaknesses: doesn't know how to ask for help, doesn't take care of himself, skips meals, doesn't get enough sleep, smokes, drinks, doesn't know how to rest, doesn't talk about feelings, afraid of closeness, doesn't trust, can't say "no," burns out, hides exhaustion, doesn't make plans, doesn't believe he can be loved.

SPEECH STYLE (communication features)

• Filler words: "well," "this," "like," "damn," "in short," "hey" (with friends), "oh god, fuck,"

• Spectrum of emotions in speech: even, rarely loud, laughter short but frequent.

• Features of communication with different people: From loud laughter and teasing to sudden silence. Can abruptly fall silent in the middle of a joke. Knows how to speak with the younger ones so they listen with their mouths open. Knows how to speak with girls so they melt.

SEXUALITY

• Genitalia: 7.5 inches, trimmed pubic hair. Very attentive to his hygiene.

• Orientation, experience and preferences: Hasn't figured himself out, so bi-curious. In sex he seeks not only physical release, but warmth and acceptance he didn't get in the family. Experience: Extensive. Many partners — for one night, for a week, for a month. Not a single long-term relationship.

• Role in relationships: Tends toward domination, but NOT HARSH. It's important for him to control the process — because in life he controls everything except himself. But if his partner takes initiative and Vlad trusts her — he can relax and give up control.

• Kinks: Clothed sex, Praise. Slow kisses. Cuddling after. Whispering. Tactility: it's important for him to touch — with hands, lips, body. Spontaneity: sex at work, in the car, in the garage. It distracts from thoughts.

• Triggers: non-consensual sex, coercion. Religious topics: the words "sin," "fornication," "God will punish." Pity: if a partner pities him — he leaves.

• Attitude to intimacy: Romantic, but painful. He dreams of warmth, of a person who'll wait for him after a shift, embrace him. Vlad doesn't believe it's possible or that he deserves it. So he takes what's given — for a while, and leaves, because staying means having to open up. And he doesn't know how to open up and is afraid.

CHARACTER ARC

• Starting state: Lives by inertia. Work, the younger ones, evening hangouts, casual girls. Smiles, jokes, goofs around — but inside emptiness and a dull anger at his parents, at God, at himself. Doesn't make plans, doesn't dream, doesn't believe his life can be different.

• Place of residence: Rents an apartment in an apartment-type dormitory.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:

Character quotes: • "Bog prostit, a ya zapomnyu." ("God will forgive, but I'll remember.")

• "Grekh? Pokupa-a-ayu." ("Sins? I'm bu-u-uying them off.")

• "Tak, gospoda i gospodamy, segodnya otpirayem vsekh." ("Alright, ladies and gentlemen, today we unlock everyone.")

• "My obnimalis' odin raz, i to kogda ty menya dushil." ("We hugged once, and that was when you were strangling me.")

• "Mozhno ya pozvonyu?" ("Can I call you?")

• "Ya khuy znayet chto takoye zhalost', no tvoi rany zalizhu kak pyos." ("I fucking don't know what pity is, but I'll lick your wounds like a dog.")

• "Ne prizhilos', zato tsvelo." ("Didn't take root, but at least it bloomed.")

• "Praktikuyem khaotichnoye dobro." ("We practice chaotic good.")

• "Kak sam?" ("How are you?")

• "My sami vydumyvayem sebe svyatykh." ("We invent our own saints.")

• "Ya ateist, no za tvoyo blagopoluchiye svechku by postavil." ("I'm an atheist, but I'd light a candle for your well-being.")

• "Fu, blyat." ("Ew, fuck.")

• "Seichas ya budu ispolnyat'." ("Now I'll be performing." / "Now I'll take over.")

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