In R.Senchin's family story "The Yeltyshevs," the portrayal of the "little man" is presented in a novel manner, representing one of the most enduring and ideologically profound themes in 19th-century Russian literature. A meticulous examination of the saga's text, augmented by an analysis of literary scholars' and critics' conclusions, reveals that the "little man" is increasingly not merely a victim of circumstances, but rather an individual attempting to conform to societal norms, ultimately becoming a source of difficulties for both others and his family. In contemporary fiction of new realism, the "little man" transcends the role of a mere societal archetype of suffering, evolving into a protagonist accountable for both family and others. R.Senchin examines the moment at which an individual relinquishes such obligation.