The article is devoted an analysis the evolution of the «Verter story» on the material of the A. Klushin’s «Miserable M-v» and M. Sushkov’s «Russian Werther». The Russian novels between parody and imitation have contributed to the search for a new identity, appropriation of the names imitative texts usually represented by the name Werther, emphasizes «tragic» fate of the protagonist. If the original text emphasizes the emotional and existential aspect of personality – Leidendes (being = suffering), in the name of M. Klushina – Miserable. That’s more consistent with the canon of Russian sentimental fiction (e.g. «Poor Liza», «Poor Mary», «The unfortunate
Nikanor» and so forth.). In the name of «The Russian Werther» is definable personality traits concluded in the name of the hero Werther, at the same time emphasizes the affiliation name of the specific national context, an attempt is made to assign this nomination and characterology properties Werther hero of Russian literature. Consideration of this story aspect allows us to formulate the hypothesis of relatedness of the author and the hero known in the secondary, fictional text.