Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Characters/Poliakoff

Poliakoff is one of the Durmstrang students who hopes to become a Champion in the Triwizard Tournament, occurring in Harry's fourth year.

As the Durmstrang contingent return to their ship in the Lake after their first dinner at Hogwarts, headmaster Karkaroff inquires solicitously if Krum has gotten enough to eat, or wants some mulled wine. Poliakoff suggests he would like some wine, and Karkaroff snaps at him, saying he did not offer any to him, and accuses him of having "dribbled food all down the front of his robes".

Poliakoff has been chosen to be part of the Durmstrang contingent and a potential Triwizard champion (although realistically he never has much of a chance); presumably, therefore, he is strong enough to take part, were he chosen.

He is also a little bit of an opportunist, asking for some wine.

Karkaroff's accusation about Poliakoff dribbling food may suggest something about him - such as clumsiness - but we must take into account Karkaroff's priorities here, and not read too much into it.

Karkaroff appears to dislike him, but then Karkaroff doesn't much like anyone.

Poliakoff is such a minor character that one wonders why he was introduced at all. His function seems to be more one of showing Karkaroff's character. Karkaroff has decided that Viktor Krum is to be the Durmstrang Champion in the Triwizard Tournament; while the remaining students are present to provide a semblance of choice, Karkaroff does not expect anything of them and so treats them as useless. It is quite possible that this is also intended to show the basic difference between Durmstrang and Hogwarts as school environments.

1. Why do you think Poliakoff brazenly asks for some mulled wine, when it was only offered to Krum?
2. Do you think he, along with the other Durmstrang students, were merely brought along for show, as the choice for champion had seemingly been made already?