Character Relationship Map: Nijinsky

Characters

• Sergei Diaghilev (played by Alan Bates) — protagonist

  Impresario of the Ballets Russes who serves as Nijinsky's domineering mentor and possessive lover. Their relationship is marked by a series of misunderstandings that ultimately contribute to Nijinsky'...

• Vaslav Nijinsky (played by George De La Pena) — protagonist

  The central protagonist, a brilliant dancer whose consuming ambition and self-enforced heterosexuality drive him toward madness. After a period of artistic moodiness and following his marriage to Romo...

• Romola de Pulsky (played by Leslie Browne) — supporting

  A society girl who joins the Ballets Russes specifically to seduce Nijinsky. Her successful marriage to him marks the turning point in his life, triggering his personal and artistic unraveling.

• Tamara Karsavina (played by Carla Fracci) — supporting

  A dancer who is reunited with Vaslav after his marriage to Romola. Their reunion unsettles him and contributes to the uneasy personal aftermath surrounding his marriage and his enduring bond with Diag...

• Argentine Ambassador (played by Charles Kay) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Vaslav Nijinsky → Romola de Pulsky (Family Husband And Wife) — Their marriage creates an uneasy personal aftermath as Romola acknowledges Vaslav's bond with Diaghilev while expressing her love for Vaslav.

  The plot states that Vaslav marries Romola and later describes her as his wife.

• Sergei Diaghilev → Vaslav Nijinsky (Romantic Possessive Mentor And Lover) — Diaghilev guides Nijinsky's career and keeps close watch over his work; their powerful personal bond continues to shape Nijinsky after his marriage.

  The character profile describes Diaghilev as Nijinsky's domineering mentor and possessive lover. The plot says their bond remains powerful in Nijinsky...

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Vaslav Nijinsky → Tamara Karsavina (Social Reunited Associates) — Their reunion occurs amid the unsettled aftermath of Vaslav's marriage, but the plot gives no further detail about their interaction.

  The plot states that after marrying Romola, Vaslav is reunited with Tamara Karsavina.

• Vaslav Nijinsky → Argentine Ambassador (Alliance Indirect Beneficiary Of Engagement) — The Ambassador helps secure an engagement for the Ballets Russes, creating a route forward for the company in which Nijinsky is central.

  When the company has no European bookings, Diaghilev contacts the Argentine Ambassador, who arranges a South American engagement for the company.

• Romola de Pulsky → Sergei Diaghilev (Conflict Rival For Nijinsky's Affection) — Romola's marriage to Vaslav places her in a complicated position beside Diaghilev, whose personal and professional connection with Vaslav remains powerful.

  Romola recognizes the strength of Vaslav's bond with Diaghilev and says she will not stand in the way of their friendship or work together.

Story Analysis

The story follows Vaslav Nijinsky's artistic ambition and public controversies alongside the shifting personal bonds that leave him caught between Romola and Diaghilev.

Plot Progression

1. A Star Under Watch — In Budapest, Diaghilev brings news of the Ballets Russes' success and future prospects. Vaslav's growing artistic ambition strains his place within the company's authority.
2. Scandal on the Paris Stage — The faun ballet's striking design leads to a performance that shocks the Paris audience. The resulting scandal follows Vaslav as he continues to create and perform.
3. A Route Beyond Europe — The company faces a period without European bookings, but Diaghilev secures a South American engagement through the Argentine Ambassador. Romola meets Vaslav as the company rehearses Sacre du printemp...
4. A Performance Under Siege — Sacre du printemps is met with furious, sustained heckling, and the dancers struggle to hear the music. A hostile review further dismisses the work.
5. An Uneasy Personal Aftermath — Vaslav marries Romola and is later reunited with Tamara Karsavina. Romola acknowledges his bond with Diaghilev, but Vaslav remains caught between his wife and the man who shaped his career.