(301 words) Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin contrasts two, at first glance, identical heroes. Pyotr Grinev and Alexey Shvabrin are young officers who serve in the Belgorod fortress, are in love with Masha Mironova, the captain’s daughter, but the young men have different characters. Shvabrin is well-read, observant, and educated, but behind his good qualities lies a vile, prudent, cynical person.
Alexey Ivanovich Shvabrin - a young officer, five years ago was transferred to the Belgorod fortress to serve for the murder (he killed a lieutenant in a duel). But with this act, the hero is just starting his way over the heads. For example, so that Masha did not like Grinev, Shvabrin began to spread rumors. He called her "a complete fool" and attributed to her mother a nonexistent romance with Ivan Ignatich, a lieutenant. The officer deliberately slandered honest women in order to eliminate a competitor. But, contrary to the tricks of Shvabrin, Peter fell in love with Masha and dedicated poetry to her. Upon learning of this, an imaginary friend advises giving a lady a pair of earrings instead of “tender rhymes”. Having humiliated an honest girl, he took advantage of Grinyov’s feelings and provoked a duel. In a duel, Alexei underestimated his opponent. But it turned out to hurt Peter, Grinev was distracted, and at that moment Shvabrin delivered an almost fatal blow. The situation only strengthened the love of Peter and Mary, tested the feelings of strength. But Aleksey Ivanovich did not back down, wrote an anonymous denunciation to Grinev’s father. Father after the message was angry and did not give blessings for the wedding.
But on this Alexey’s meanness didn’t end. Pugachev captured the Belgorod fortress, and Shvabrin quickly forgot that he promised faithfully to serve the empress. He chose a rebel, because he wanted to save his own skin and at the same time build a career. Alexei Ivanovich fiercely hated his neighbor and whispered something to Pugachev, he was going to hang Grinev, but the faithful servant Savelych saved his master.
As a result, Shvabrin was arrested for betraying the homeland. His deceitful, hypocritical and cowardly nature could no longer hide himself under the guise of an officer. A. Pushkin depicted not even an evil, but a weak man who cannot cope with his vices and bear the burden of responsibility for his actions.
