Major Kovalev
The attention to detail given to the appearance of Major Kovalev illustrates the importance of social status and physical appearance. The narrator describes “his shirt collar [as] always immaculately clean and well-starched," and his face is defined by "full rosy cheeks and... whiskers.” These physical attributes are essential to his social rank, and serve as a reminder that the loss of his nose is a grave affair.
Beautiful Women
An important foil for Major Kovalev's anxiety, the narrator gives vivid descriptions of beautiful women as they appear in the story. He describes the transparent fingers of a woman; her alabaster, rounded chin; her flushed cheek. These sensual images cause Major Kovalev pain when he remembers that without a nose, he cannot pursue any of these women.
