Abstract
The story “Anushka Wants to Eat” by I. Odegov creates a unified narrative space for examining the psychological construction of a literary character through artistic expression. This research study aims to analyse the creative strategies employed by the author to portray the protagonist’s inner world, focusing on how narrative structure, linguistic techniques, and the use of linguistic and symbolic imagery contribute to her psychological depth. The relevance of this study lies in its contribution to contemporary literary analysis, where character psychology has become central to narrative impact and reader engagement.The study employs qualitative textual analysis, utilizing close reading strategies to interpret the protagonist’s emotional evolution and psychological portrait. The findings demonstrate that Odegov constructs a linear yet emotionally rich and stylistically textured narrative, in which the protagonist’s internal conflicts are conveyed through subtle shifts in tone, rhythm, and temporality. Symbolic spatial and temporal imagery further enhances psychological realism, while the absence of overt authorial judgment invites diverse reader interpretations.The novelty of this study lies in its focus on implicit psychological construction achieved through non-verbalized artistic cues such as narrative pacing, setting, and linguistic rhythm. The results suggest that the protagonist’s evolving psyche contrasts sharply with the emotional stasis of secondary characters, intensifying her psychological isolation and depth.The theoretical significance of the study is its contribution to literary narratology and psychological criticism, offering insights into how form shapes meaning in character portrayal. Its practical value lies in its applicability for educators and literary scholars engaged in character development, narrative therapy, and the pedagogical use of fiction in understanding human psychology.