are prohibited from firing on Konovalov by rules of engagement, and Red October has no torpedomen on board. After a tense battle, Ramius manages to sink Konovalov by ramming it, killing Tupolev and his crew. The Americans escort Red October safely into dry dock in Norfolk, Virginia, where it is analyzed by U.S. military intelligence. Ramius and his crew are taken to a CIA safehouse where they are given new identities, beginning their settlement into American life. Ryan is commended and debriefed by his superiors; he later flies back to his posting in London. Characters The Soviets Captain First Rank Marko Aleksandrovich Ramius: Soviet submarine captain who commands the Red October, the Soviet Navy's newest ballistic missile submarine. His decision to defect was spurred by personal factors. His wife, Natalia, had died at the hands of an intoxicated and incompetent doctor; however, the doctor escaped punishment because he was the son of a Politburo member. Natalia's untimely death, combined with Ramius's long-standing disillusionment with the callousness of Soviet rule and his fear of Red Octobers destabilizing effect on world affairs, exhausts his tolerance for the failings of the Soviet system. Captain Second Rank Viktor Aleksievich Tupolev: Commanding officer of the attack submarine V. K. Konovalov and Ramius's former student. Captain Second Rank Vasily Borodin: Executive officer of Red October Dr. Yevgeni Konstantinovich Petrov: Red Octobers medical officer Igor Loginov: GRU intelligence officer, on duty aboard the Red October as a cook in order to prevent the defection or capture of the vessel Alexei Arbatov: Soviet ambassador to the United States Captain Second Rank Ivan Yurievich Putin: Political officer (zampolit) aboard the Red October. Killed by Ramius so that he will not interfere with his defection. Admiral Yuri Ilyich Padorin: Chief political officer for the Soviet Navy, Ramius's uncle-in-law and mentor The Americans and the British Dr. John Patrick "Jack" Ryan: Central Intelligence Agency liaison to the Secret Intelligence Service; former Marine lieutenant Commander Bartolomeo Vito "Bart" Mancuso, USN: Commanding officer of the Sonar Technician 1st Class Ronald "Jonesy" Jones, USN: Sonarman aboard Dallas who first identifies Red October and its silent drive. Vice-Admiral John White, 8th Earl of Weston: British Royal Navy officer commanding the aircraft carrier ; also a personal friend of Ryan. Lieutenant Owen Williams, RN: British Royal Navy lieutenant serving aboard Invincible who accompanies Ryan to Red October because of his Russian language skills. Oliver Wendell "Skip"