The "Fatalist" leads one to believe in predestination, or fate. The phenomenon's existence is made clear by Pechorin's premonitions of death, and his unshakable belief in said premonitions. Pechorin is unequivocally correct in his convictions, since this novel and novels in general, exist only by virtue of having an author (or god) and a storyline (a narrative that characters are fated to follow). In light of this, the debate (at least in the context of the/a novel) becomes more ironic and metafictive than existential. It is interesting to note that this chapter feature narration by Pechorin alone, making him "the author" at least temporarily. Fittingly, Pechorin is the character with the best intuitions concerning fate. He accurately predicts the death of the Serb, the outcome of his duel, and behaves with a sense of confidence befitting a man who knows he is in charge.