Names of Literary Characters in the Comparative Constructions
 of Modern Russian Prose

Abstract

The article deals with comparative constructions (metaphors and similes)
 with names of literary characters. The paper notes that comparative constructions
 with precedent names in modern prose develop the traditions typical for Russian lit-
 erature of the previous period and consistently act as signs giving different types of
 culture. The material for the analysis includes texts of modern Russian prose. It is
 noted that precedent names of the characters of both Russian and foreign prose are
 widely represented in them. We have compiled a glossary that includes the names of
 literary characters widely known to native speakers. The paper shows in what aspects
 the names under consideration characterize the characters (appearance, actions and
 behavior, intellectual and moral qualities, etc.).
 The papermakes a conclusion that precedent names are used in compara-
 tive constructions of different structural types (metaphors; similes including
 verbs, adjectives, substantives; similes-appositions), while similes prevail, since
 they more clearly highlight a certain feature characterizing a person. The article
 notes that in the prose of recent years, the precedent names are consistently
 adapted to the depicted modern situations, which is manifested in the nature of
 their definitions. It is emphasized that in modern prose, tropes with precedent
 names are often characterized by ironic expression and combined with definitions that reduce the image. Based on the texts of modern prose, the study highlites comparative constructions, including the names of characters and their functions,
 such as intertextual, evaluative, plot-forming, personifying ones.