The protagonist who returns to his village after a 12-year absence (10 years in salt mines for killing a landowner, 2 in WW1 army). He discovers his wife sold his property to the deceased landowner's nephew and is with another man. Isolated by villagers, he takes work with the Boyar but flees after the Boyar is murdered by bandits, fearing false blame.
Marital bond broken by long absence and betrayal.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Punishment