Raskolnikov is a tall, attractive young man, defined by his psychological turmoils, moral dilemmas, and the social conditions of St. Petersburg in the 1800s. His journey through guilt, alienation, and the search for redemption makes him our star in Dostoevsky’s exploration of the human psyche.
Moral Anchor, protagonist’s love interest
Sonya Semyonovna Marmeladov (Sonya)
Compassionate, Moral, Self-sacrificing.
Sonya is a morally upright prostitute, who upholds her innocence and purity despite her circumstance. The contrast between her personality and her profession makes her relatable to Raskolnikov and thus, the only person with whom he can share his burdens.
Detective
Porfiry Petrovich
Intellectual, Intuitive, Manipulative.
Porfiry is a detective that gets Raskolnikov to finally confess to his crime. Rather than direct torture, he uses Psychological manipulation to guide Raskolnikov towards confession, while serving as a moral compass that challenges Raskolnikov’s core beliefs.
Rating
Rating:
4.7/5
Continue down for all the characters to Crime and Punishment
Degree in M.C.M with focus on Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In making the art that is “Crime and Punishment”, Fyodor Dostoevsky wonderfully crafted his characters, each with their own unique psyche, motivation, and conflict. Through their complex interactions and struggles, Dostoevsky masterfully explores the human condition, the nature of crime and its punishment, and the profound psychological and philosophical leanings that shape our lives. Especially with Rodion Raskolnikov, Dunya Raskolnikov, and Sonya Marmeladova, amongst others.
Rodion Raskolnikov
Role: Protagonist
Key Info: Intellectual, dual natured and alienated.
Rodion, a conflicted and tormented former student who driven by a mix of intellectual pride and desperation, commits a murder.
Background: Raskolnikov is an impoverished student, higly intellectual and idealistic, but also isolated, with a superiority complex. His decision to murder the pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, sets the story in motion, where he was forced to confront his guilt and search for redemption.
Personality: Raskolnikov is intelligent but conflicted and tormented. He constantly wrestles with the tension between his rational mind and his emotional vulnerabilities.
Development: Initially, Raskolnikov is a detached, rational thinker. However, his mental state unravels as guilt and paranoia begin to take over. His confrontations with Porfiry, the investigtor, and Sonya helps him confront his emotions and moral anguish, and see the need for redemption and spiritual renewal.
Significance: Raskolnikov embodies existential crisis and psychological dualism. His struggles between reason and emotion reflect Dostoevsky’s philosophical and psychological insights.
Raskolnikov is the protagonist of Dostoevsky’s masterpiece. He is a character whose inner turmoil forms the very heartbeat of the narrative. A former student grappling with poverty, he rationalizes the unthinkable – the murder of a pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna. His justification for this act was rooted in the belief that “extraordinary” individuals can transcend moral boundaries for a greater good. However, in the aftermath of his deed, he succumbed to a profound psychological crisis as a result of his guilt and paranoia.
Ultimately, Raskolnikov’s path from isolation to redemption serves as a poignant commentary on the human capacity for both destruction and salvation. His eventual surrender and acceptance of punishment offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in our darkest moments, the possibility of redemption remains. In this way, Raskolnikov becomes more than just a character – he becomes a mirror that reflects our own struggles with morality, guilt, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
Sonia Marmeladova
Role: The Deuteragonist
Key Info: Brave, curious young girl; main character of the story. Christ-like figure Selfless, compassionate, and exploited.
Sonia, a compassionate and self-sacrificing young woman, whose deep faith and unconditional love help guide Raskolnikov toward redemption.
Background: Sonya is forced into prostitution due to a lack of education and opportunities to fend for her family, yet has a strong sense of morality and compassion.
Personality: Self-sacrificing, resilient, and strong-willed, despite her vulnerability, she embodies Christian values like forgiveness and redemption.
Development: Sonya is initially portrayed as a victim of circumstances, but her inner strength and faith are revealed as the novel unfolds. Her moral guidance to Raskolnikov influences his confession and his subsequent journey to redemption.
Significance: Sonya is the moral center of the novel, symbolizing redemption, forgiveness, compassion, and the possibility of personal transformation.
Sonya is born to a life of hardship as the daughter of the drunkard Semyon Marmeladov and stepdaughter to Katerina Ivanovna. Driven by desperate circumstances, she makes the hard choice to turn to prostitution. This act of self-sacrifice, undertaken to support her family, becomes a defining aspect of Sonya’s persona.
Interestingly, beneath the weight of her circumstances, her faith remains unshakeable, serving as an anchor in the tumultuous seas of her life. Her deep-rooted religious convictions not only provide her personal solace but also become a wellspring of strength from which others draw comfort and guidance. This is seen most notably in her pivotal role as a moral and spiritual compass for the tormented Raskolnikov. The depth of Sonya’s commitment to Raskolnikov’s salvation is powerfully illustrated in her decision to follow him to Siberia – a testament to her own moral clarity and a catalyst for Raskolnikov’s journey towards redemption.
Porfiry Petrovitch
Role: Lead Detective
Key Info: Intelligent, intuitive and unassuming.
Porfiry, the shrewd and psychologically astute investigator who subtly unravels Raskolnikov’s guilt.
Background: Porfiry Petrovich is the Head of the Investigative Division. A seasoned, intelligent detective with a keen eye for details.
Personality: He has a deep understanding of human psychology.
Development: At first, his intentions and suspicions seemed baseless while observing Raskolnikov, but he managed to engage in a mental battle with Raskolnikov, tested his theories, and revealed the truth eventually.
Significance: He embodies the power of observation and deduction, and represents justice, social order, and morality in the book. His interactions with Raskolnikov foreground the tension between reason and emotions. They are notably some of the most engaging and thought-provoking in the novel that eventually catalyzes Raskolnikov’s confession.
Porfiry Petrovich is responsible for solving the murder of the pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, and her sister, Lizaveta. He accomplishes this by employing a certain psychological approach to his investigation, one which dictates that understanding a criminal’s conscience often leads to their downfall.
His approach tends to lean on the suspect’s guilt and paranoia, leading them to a confession rather than rushing to make an arrest. He serves as Raskolnikov’s primary antagonist by challenging his intellectual and moral justifications for the crime. Together with Sonya, Porfiry adds depth to the novel’s exploration of crime, guilt, and redemption, each representing different paths to moral clarity and salvation.
Dunya
Role: Sister of Protagonist
Key Info: Resourceful, loyal and independent.
Dunya, the strong-willed and compassionate younger sister of the protagonist, whose determination to protect her family’s well-being and reputation influences her actions.
Background: Dunya is Raskolnikov’s devoted sister who works as a governess to support her family. Despite her brother’s philosophical beliefs, she maintains a strong sense of morality and integrity, unshaken by his worldview.
Personality: Dunya has her fair share of moral dilemmas, but she’s loyal and protective of her family. She is also intelligent, resourceful, and determined.
Development: She becomes entangled in Luzhin’s manipulations when he proposes to her, but as the story progresses, her inner strength and resilience come to light, allowing her to break free from his control and assert her independence.
Significance: In Dunya’s character, similar to Sonya’, family and sacrifices are united. Her character embodies the warfare between personal happiness and moral duty and it’s shown in how her relationships with Raskolnikov and Luzhin highlight the complexities of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Much like her brother Raskolnikov, Dunya possesses a keen intellect, yet her pride is tempered by humility and a strong ethical foundation. This moral clarity sets her apart from Raskolnikov, whose actions are often clouded by self-centeredness and moral ambiguity.
Dunya’s character is defined by her self-sacrificing nature and her willingness to endure personal hardships for the sake of her family. Her strength of will and the refusal to compromise her values are exemplified in her decisive break from her engagement to Luzhin when he insults her family. This resolve extends to her physical courage, as seen in her bold defense when she fends off Svidrigailov with a gun. Within the narrative, Dunya serves as both a foil and a beacon for Raskolnikov. Her virtues illuminate his flaws, emphasizing his internal struggles, while her unwavering support and moral strength play a crucial role in guiding him toward redemption.
Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin
Role: Friend of Protagonist
Key Info: Practical, empathetic and honest.
Dmitri, Rodion Raskolnikov’s loyal and practical friend, who provides emotional support and serves as a voice of reason amidst Raskolnikov’s turmoil.
Background: Razumikhin is a student and friend of Raskolnikov, interested in philosophy and literature. His strong sense of justice and morality is laced with warmth and optimism – a contrast to Raskolnikov’s darkness.
Personality: He’s loyal and supportive, with a strong sense of friendship. Occasionally hot-headed and impulsive but always means well.
Development: Initially portrayed as Raskolnikov’s cheerful and outgoing friend, he helps and supports his family. His complexities are gradually revealed, but his support and positive influence play a crucial role in Raskolnikov’s redemption.
Significance: He embodies the power of positive relationships and support as his interactions with Raskolnikov illustrate the contrast between optimism and pessimism, and the importance of human connection. Razumikhin’s character adds a breath of fresh air to the novel, and his friendship with Raskolnikov is a beautiful aspect of the story. He’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always hope and support to be found.
Razumikhin is Raskolnikov’s closest and perhaps only true friend. He partly functions as the narrator, providing a pragmatic counterpoint to Raskolnikov’s nihilist and utilitarian arguments. Through Razumikhin, the author enriches the thematic complexity of the novel by subtly interweaving his perspectives on these philosophical debates. Though unlike Raskolnikov, who is consumed by his theories and moral dilemmas, Razumikhin is practical, hardworking, and grounded.
Regardless of his many positive traits, Razumikhin is not without flaws. He can be somewhat naive and overly optimistic, at times failing to fully comprehend the depth of Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil. Nevertheless, his presence in the novel provides a crucial counterbalance to the darker aspects of Raskolnikov’s character and actions, highlighting the importance of compassion and support in the face of despair.
Alyona Ivanovna
Role: Pawnbroker
Key Info: Cunning, ruthless and emotionally detached.
Alyona, a greedy and cruel old pawnbroker who is murdered by Rodion Raskolnikov, setting off the novel’s chain of events.
Background: Alyona Ivanovna is known to be cruel and heartless. She’s a pawnbroker who is known to exploit the poor and vulnerable and was murdered by Raskolnikov.
Personality: Likes to take advantage of the desperation of others for her own gain.
Development: She is introduced to us as a ruthless pawnbroker who ends up as Raskolnikov’s victim. The investigation into her murder is the catalyst for the novel’s conflict.
Significance: Alyona Ivanovna is a well-crafted character, who embodies exploitation, social injustice, and moral decay. Through her, the author shows the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and exploitation as she represents greed, cruelty, and oppression, the worst aspects of human nature.
Alyona Ivanovna sadistic nature is further seen in the abusive treatment of her half-sister, Lizaveta Ivanovna, whom she abuses and controls. Alyona Ivanovna’s character serves to highlight the themes of exploitation, moral corruption, and the consequences of radical ideology.
Lizaveta
Role: Sister of Pawnbroker
Key Info: Vulnerability, innocence and submissiveness.
Lizaveta, Alyona Ivanovna’s gentle and innocent sister, who unintentionally becomes a secondary victim of Raskolnikov’s crime.
Background: Lizaveta is the kind and gentle sister of the cruel and abusive Alyona Ivanovna. Her kindness, compassion, and gentle nature make her a beloved figure in the building where they live and work. Her demeanor is a stark contrast to her sister’s cruel and exploitative behavior, showing the complexities of human relationships, and the coexistence of good and evil.
Personality: Lizaveta is a meek, trusting, and humble person who always puts others before herself. Her quiet and reserved demeanor holds strength and resilience that is evident in her ability to endure her sister’s abuse.
Development: Her tragic murder is a pivotal moment in the novel that alongside that of her sister’s, serves as the trigger to the chain reaction of guilt, redemption, and ultimate salvation.
Significance: Lizaveta’s character represents the good that is often destroyed by impulsive actions, like that of Raskolnikov. Her death also serves as a symbol of the consequences of philosophical beliefs that prioritize the individual’s interest over the well-being of every other person.
Lizaveta’s vulnerability is starkly highlighted. Her tragic end comes when she accidentally witnesses Raskolnikov murdering Alyona, leading to her unintended death. This act deepens Raskolnikov’s guilt, emphasizing the senselessness of violence. Lizaveta’s innocence and tragic fate, though not central, leave a profound impact on the narrative of death.
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
Role: Protagonist’s Rival
Key Info: Charismatic, manipulative and morally corrupt.
Background: A former officer related to Dunya’s family. He has a shady and violent past stained with rumors of murder, blackmail, and manipulations.
Personality: He is a charismatic and intelligent fellow with a hypnotic influence on people around him. He’s also manipulative, calculating, and exploitative with no clear morals.
Development: Svidrigailov’s original intentions were unclear and mysterious. But his true, dark nature and motives are revealed when he manipulates Dunya on one hand and talks morality with Raskolnikov on the other.
Significance: He embodies moral decay and corruption, presenting a darker, more sinister aspect of human nature. His presence questions free will, fate, and redemption.
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov’s character is a powerful representation of the darker aspects of human nature. His final act of suicide, driven by a sense of despair and hopelessness, reveals a deeply troubled soul.
Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov
Role: Sonya’s Mother
Key Info: Maternal love and desperate.
Katerina, the impoverished, proud, and desperately ill wife of Marmeladov, and the mother of Sonya, whose tragic circumstances and impending doom evoke pity and compassion.
Background: Katerina is a proud and refined woman of the upper class who falls on hard times and struggles with poverty. She tries to maintain a sense of pride and elegance despite her dire situation, but can’t help feeling bitter and resentful about it.
Personality: Katerina is defined by her desperation and emotional fragility, yet she is also self-sacrificing. Her life is a tragic mix of pride, suffering, and eventual collapse.
Development: Initially portrayed as a weak and destitute widow of Captain Marmeladov, Katerina’s character reveals unexpected strength and determination by trying to provide for her children Though weighed down by poverty, she fights relentlessly for their survival, even as her health and mind deteriorate.
Significance: Her character shows the tragic consequence of exploitation, social neglect, survival, and the human condition. She represents the decline of the aristocracy, the struggles of poverty, and the trauma it leaves in its wake. Her illness and eventual death symbolize the decay of morality and the consequences of societal pressures.
Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov, wife of Semyon Marmeladov and stepmother to Sonya, is a character marked by her noble heritage and subsequent descent into poverty. Her marriage to Marmeladov thrusts her into a life of deprivation, which she resents deeply. This resentment manifests in her aggressive behavior, especially towards Sonya, whom she pressures into prostitution to support the family. Her bitterness is exacerbated by her physical and mental illness, likely tuberculosis, causing her to spit blood.
Despite her dire circumstances, Katerina clings to her past nobility, maintaining a sense of pride and dignity. She tends to her irresponsible, alcoholic husband until his death and cares for her children, who eventually end up on the streets. Overwhelmed by suffering and humiliation, Katerina succumbs to madness and dies. Her tragic story underscores the novel’s exploration of human suffering and the impacts of poverty and illness. Her interactions with Sonya and Raskolnikov highlight the complexity of her character and the depth of her despair.
Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov
Role: Sonya’s Father
Key Info: Weak-willed, guilt-ridden and self-destructive.
Semyon, a destitute, alcoholic, and emotionally broken former government official whose tragic downfall and pitiful existence serve as a poignant example of societal neglect and human suffering.
Background: A former government official, turned a drunk and a beggar. His struggles with alcoholism and poverty have devastating consequences for his family.
Personality: Intelligent, weak-willed, self-aware, and remorseful over his loss to addiction.
Development: We meet Capt. Marmeladov is a drunken, and irresponsible father that concurrently evokes pity and hate from the reader. But his conversations with Raskolnikov, open up a past before his tragic fall from grace. Despite his flaws, he’s affectionate towards his family, especially his daughter Sonya, and tries to amend his ways and start anew but dies.
Significance: He symbolizes the human condition, its depth, and its complexity while highlighting the destructive power of addiction and the consequences of moral decay. Overall, He is a tragic figure, whose struggles with addiction devastate his family and himself. His character serves as a warning about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help and redemption.
Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov is an alcoholic former government official whose life spirals into despair and poverty due to his addiction. Though profoundly aware of the torment his drinking caused his family, he found himself powerless to change his circumstances. This addiction was one of the factors that forced his daughter Sonya into prostitution to support the family. It was in this state that Marmeladov first encountered the brooding young man Raskolnikov. Over drinks in a dimly lit tavern, Marmeladov lamented his tragic situation and expressed profound remorse — and for once, Raskolnikov was moved by another’s plight.
Though he found the man pathetic, something in Marmeladov’s hopelessness resonated. Their brief but impactful conversation stirred Raskolnikov to later assist the grieving family. Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov serves as a powerful representation of the struggles of addiction and its profound effects on both individuals and their loved ones.
Pyotr Luzhin
Role: Dunya’s Fiance
Key Info: Selfish, Hypocritical and exploitative.
Pyotr, a self-important, morally hypocritical, and socially ambitious suitor of Dunya, whose proposal of marriage is motivated by his desire for social status and respectability.
Background: Pyotr Luzhin is a petty government official who is opposed to the idea of women occupying positions of power. He’s selfish and a chauvinist.
Personality: Luzhin is a manipulative, insecure, cold, calculating, emotionally detached, self-serving, and patronizing hypocrite but presents himself as a respectable and moral person, when he’s far from that and is obsessed with his self-importance and reputation.
Development: Luzhin presents himself as a caring fiance and potential in-law who is respectable and intelligent but is secretly a self-serving, manipulative, and hypocritical person. He was fully exposed when his engagement to Dunya was called off.
Significance: Luzhin’s self-serving nature contrasts with Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil – a revelation of the difference between their moral compasses. While Raskolnikov wrestles with guilt and redemption, Luzhin embodies superficiality and moral decay, particularly within the upper class. He views Raskolnikov as a threat to his social standing and actively seeks to discredit him. His treatment of Sonya, including his manipulative proposal, catalyzes her personal growth and independence, highlighting the consequences of toxic, exploitative relationships.
Luzhin’s primary motivation is to marry a beautiful, intelligent, but desperately poor girl like Dunya. He believes that her financial dependence on him will leave her perpetually subservient to his wiles. His manipulative nature can also be seen in his attempt to portray himself as magnanimous by publicly forgiving Sonya after framing her for theft.
In contrast to other characters in the novel who undergo significant development and reveal hidden depths, Luzhin remains consistently nefarious. He veils his deceit under a facade of rational egoism, a philosophy he pretends to embrace solely because he claims it leads to the best outcomes for society. This philosophy contends that private acts of charity do little good, arguing instead that society would benefit more if the wealthy retained their resources.
Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikov
Role: Mother of Protagonist
Key Info: Maternal love, vulnerable and moral.
Pulcheria, Rodion’s devoted, anxious, and loving mother, whose concern and sacrifice for her children’s well-being often manifest as excessive worry and emotional fragility.
Background: Pulcheria is Raskolnikov’s widowed mother, who loves her children and will sacrifice anything for them. She is a devout and religious woman who believes in the goodness of others.
Personality: Pulcheria is nurturing, compassionate, and selfless. Simple and uneducated, but with a strong common sense.
Development: As a devoted mother, her distress deepens when Dunya becomes engaged amid their financial struggles, only to be compounded later by the shattering discovery of Raskolnikov’s crime. Despite these overwhelming burdens, her deep unconditional love for her son prevails, allowing her to forgive him.
Significance: She represents the unconditional love and devotion of a mother and her character embodies the themes of selflessness and sacrifice.
Pulcheria is the embodiment of maternal love and sacrifice, as indicated by her unwavering devotion and concern for her children, especially her son, Rodion. However, Pulcheria’s good intentions do not insulate her from making questionable judgments at times. For instance, she encourages Dunya’s engagement to Luzhin, believing it will provide financial security, even though it risks resulting in an unhappy marriage.
Additionally, while her intense affection for Rodion arises from an inherently admirable place, it perhaps prevents her from fully comprehending his internal turmoil and dangerous behavior as his mental state deteriorates. The strain of her son’s erratic conduct, combined with her inability to alleviate his psychic anguish, takes a toll on Pulcheria’s mental and physical faculties. Tragically, Pulcheria passes without ever learning the full truth behind Rodion’s misdeeds, compounding the narrative’s pathos.
Andrei Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov
Role: Luzhin’s acquaintance
Key Info: Self-righteous, pretentious and superficially intellectual.
Andrei, a self-proclaimed progressive and liberal thinker, who is a boarder in the same building as the Marmeladovs, and is portrayed as naive and somewhat ridiculous in his rigid adherence to ideological principles.
Background: Lebezyatnikov is a friend and a philosophical debate partner to Luzhin, who prides himself in having progressive and liberal ideas.
Personality: Andrei Lebezyatnikov is intellectually arrogant and quite self-assured. He considers himself a champion of justice and morality. He believes in the power of reason and intellect to help shape society.
Development: He is introduced as Luzhin’s friend, espousing progressive views, and he considers views opposing his, as old and oppressive. However, his efforts to do right by others usually come across as condescending because they are void of empathy. His hypocrisy is revealed when he’s seen defending Luzhin’s actions.
Significance: Andrei’s character represents the dangers of superficial ideology, arrogance, and the limitations of reason. He embodies the tension between progressive ideas and moral responsibility. He is a complex character that serves as a hindrance to Raskolnikov’s darker nature.
Andrei Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov is a multilayered individual whose interactions subtly punctuate the intellectual currents of his era. Beneath his bookish exterior beats the heart of an idealist determined to expose injustice and uphold truth, as seen in his unraveling of Luzhin’s deception against the vulnerable Sonya. But despite his progressive stance, his actions occasionally contradict his beliefs, thus making him inefficacious. Lebezyatnikov presents a case study of how progressive philosophies collide with human fallibility.
Furthermore, his sincerely held views are sometimes undercut by his inconsistencies, highlighting how even the strongest principles can waver before life’s complexities. Through this flawed yet earnest character, Dostoevsky shed light on both the promise and perils of social change – a debate still vital today. Lebezyatnikov may seem a minor character, but his idealism, however imperfectly enacted, echoes the flux of ideas reshaping society. In character and deed, Lebezyatnikov cuts a memorable figure, reminding us that progress lies not in utopias but in our shared humanity.
Nikolai Dementiev
Role: Murder Suspect
Key Info: Innocence, emotional instability and naivety.
Nikolai Dementiev, also known as Nikolai or Mikolka, is a simple-minded and impressionable painter who is wrongly accused of Alyona Ivanovna’s murder.
Background: Nikolai is an uneducated young man who works as a painter and lives in the same building as the pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna. He is usually quiet save for occasional erratic behaviors.
Personality: Nikolai is childlike, mentally fragile, anxious, impressionable, and easily intimidated.
Development: The story tells of how he is wrongly suspected of the murders committed by Raskolnikov, and implicated by his presence at the crime scene. His false confession didn’t help matters and his subsequent imprisonment served to heighten the tension and suspense while Raskolnikov grappled with his guilt and the consequences of his actions. Although, his innocence was later proven, Nikolai was already affected by the experience and became even more anxious and withdrawn.
Significance: Nikolai’s character serves as a red herring that distracts the investigators from the true culprit. Also, his false accusation highlights the consequences of jumping to unverified conclusions and the devastating impact on its victims.
Nikolai is a simple mentally unstable man wrongfully accused of Alyona’s murder. His character represents the innocent bystander ensnared by circumstance, caught at the wrong place and time. Suspected of pawning an item Raskolnikov dropped, Nikolai is arrested and pressured into a false confession, later disproven by detective Porfiry Petrovich. This confession impacts Raskolnikov, prompting him to face the reality of his crimes and their effects on innocents. Nikolai’s role, though minor, highlights themes of guilt, legal fallibility, and crime’s impact on the innocent, evoking sympathy and underscoring the novel’s moral complexities.
Zossimov
Role: Doctor
Key Info: Rational, skeptic and compassionate.
Dr. Zossimov, a young, intelligent, and somewhat skeptical physician who treats Raskolnikov’s physical and mental health issues, offering a rational and scientific perspective amidst the novel’s philosophical and psychological turmoil.
Background: Zossimov is a kind and compassionate middle-aged man. He is a respected doctor in their community who plays a crucial role in Raskolnikov’s recovery from both his physical and mental illnesses.
Personality: Zossimov is a practical and rational man who approaches life with a scientific mindset. He is empathetic and understanding, although direct and blunt, often telling Raskolnikov the hard truths about his condition.
Development: Throughout the novel, he plays a crucial role in Raskolnikov’s recovery. From the diagnosed physical ailments, to the deeper psychological issues that plagued him, he provides treatment and confronts Raskolnikov about moral responsibility. These efforts were initially met with resistance, but his persistence shows a deep concern for his patient’s well-being.
Significance: Zossimov, a physician and friend of Razumikhin, serves as a symbol of the rational and scientific approach to understanding illness, contrasting with Raskolnikov’s psychological turmoil. His character emphasizes the limits of medical science in diagnosing and addressing the deeper, existential struggles that plague Raskolnikov. Through Zossimov, Dostoevsky critiques the inadequacy of purely clinical views of human suffering.
Dr. Zossimov, a minor yet notable character, is a young doctor and friend of Razumikhin. He was Raskolnikov’s physician during his illness, who approached his condition with clinical detachment and viewed him more as a psychological case study than a patient needing compassion. This reflects Zossimov’s ambition to make a name for himself in medicine. Despite his professional demeanor, his understanding of Raskolnikov’s condition is limited, marked by a lack of genuine empathy. Zossimov is more intrigued by the medical curiosity of Raskolnikov’s symptoms than by providing true support. His character shows the limitations of contemporary medical knowledge and the impersonal nature of medical practice, underscoring the theme of isolation as Raskolnikov remains misunderstood and unsupported, even by his doctor.
Liputin
Role: A Gossip
Key Info: Cynical, nihilistic and manipulative.
Liputin, a sly and manipulative member of the nihilist circle, known for his gossiping nature and his ability to subtly sow discord and mischief among others.
Background: Liputin is a middle-aged man with a disagreeable nature. He is a petty and malicious busybody with an ability to extract information that is none of his business and spread it around.
Personality: Liputin is nosy, manipulative, and cruel and he delights in causing trouble. He is a master of insinuation and innuendo, using his words to wound and destroy. He is also a coward who avoids confrontation while hiding behind the gossip and rumors he spreads. .
Development: Liputin’s role revolves around the insidious nature of gossip, where he reveals Sonya’s past to Raskolnikov, further complicating their relationship. He’s also a catalyst for the events that unfolded, using his gossip to manipulate people around him.
Significance: Liputin represents the destructive power of gossip and the consequences of meddling in other people’s lives. With his character, Dostoevsky emphasizes the dangers of spreading rumors and the importance of respecting others’ privacy.
Although Liputin is a minor character whose presence may not overshadow that of the main figures, he nonetheless contributes significantly to the broader social and political themes Dostoevsky explores. Depicted as corrupt and morally bankrupt, Liputin embodies the opportunism and unscrupulousness prevalent among petty bureaucrats and minor officials in the novel, highlighting the corruption and moral decay that pervades society. Liputin’s willingness to engage in underhanded activities coupled with his lack of scruples, aligns him with Luzhin, a relationship that accentuates the theme of moral corruption and illustrates how individuals can become complicit in the unethical actions of others.
Nastasya Petrovna
Role: Servant
Key Info: Simple, dedicated and empathetic.
Nastasya, a straightforward and good-hearted servant in Raskolnikov’s boarding house, often showing concern for his well-being despite her blunt and teasing manner.
Background: Nastasya is an unmarried middle-aged woman who has been working for years, in the building where Raskolnikov lives. She is dedicated to her job and is loved by all the tenants.
Personality: She is a warm, caring, and motherly figure.
Development: Nastasya begins as a loyal servant but evolves into a cherished member of Raskolnikov’s life. Throughout the novel, Nastasya plays a crucial role in Raskolnikov’s life. She provides comfort and support, often going out of her way to help him. Her care and concern for Raskolnikov serve as a contrast to his intellectual turmoil and isolation.
Significance: She represents a source of comfort, stability, and human connection in Raskolnikov’s life.
Nastasya Petrovna is a servant in the house where Raskolnikov rents his small, cramped room. Depicted as kind and caring, Nastasya looks after Raskolnikov during his illness following the murders. She consistently brings him tea and food, ensuring he eats and takes care of himself, even as he grapples with deep psychological distress. Despite her lower social status, Nastasya engages in light-hearted banter with Raskolnikov, striving to lift his spirits and provide a semblance of normalcy in his troubled life.
Ilya Petrovich
Role: Police Officer
Key Info: Bumbling, inept and bureaucratic.
Ilya, also known as the “explosive lieutenant,” is a hot-tempered police officer whose brash and impulsive nature contrasts with his role in Raskolnikov’s investigation, often causing intimidation but lacking the subtlety of his colleague, Porfiry.
Background: The police official to whom Raskolnikov confesses, in the end. Often described as oblivious and prone to sudden bursts of temper, earning him the nickname “Gunpowder”. His ineptitude is just one facet of his character, with a compassionate side that emerges as well.
Personality: Ilya is impulsive, disorganized, and easily overwhelmed, leading to frequent outbursts of anger. He is more concerned with outward appearance and care for protocols to be observed than he cares for genuine understanding or insight.
Development: Initially tasked with investigating Alyona’s murder, Ilya struggles with the case, making incorrect assumptions and misjudgments. Although he confronts Raskolnikov, he ultimately misses the truth behind his actions. Despite his bumbling demeanor, his character reveals more depth over time, illustrating a more nuanced personality than initially perceived.
Significance: Ilya represents the law and Raskolnikov’s acceptance of responsibility. His character serves as a foil to Porfiry Petrovich, whose intelligence and psychological insight provide a stark contrast to Ilya’s more superficial approach to justice. He embodies the theme of authority and conformity, representing the legal system and societal expectations.
Gunpowder’s is introduced as a brusque and hot-headed individual which earned him his nickname due to his explosive outbursts. In contrast to his more astute and psychologically insightful colleague, Porfiry Petrovich, Ilya appears simplistic. This is a valid portrayal of the police force and the different personalities that comprise it. Despite his shortcomings, Ilya Petrovich’s role becomes pivotal in the novel’s climax, as he is the officer to whom Raskolnikov confesses his crime. This moment is significant as it marks the culmination of Raskolnikov’s internal struggle and his decision to seek redemption.
Alexander Grigorievich Zamyotov
Role: Junior Clerk
Key Info: Intuitive, open-minded and intelligent.
Alexander, a young and somewhat impressionable clerk in the police department, who becomes suspicious of Raskolnikov and unwittingly contributes to his psychological unraveling through their tense conversations.
Background: Zamyotov is a young, ambitious, and intelligent clerk in the judicial department driven by a desire for success and recognition.
Personality: He is left intrigued by Raskolnikov’s intelligent and insightful remarks and begins to see him as an intellectual equal, even though they don’t agree, and this rivalry sparks a series of philosophical debates between them.
Development: Zamyotov meets Raskolnikov after the murder, where he’s introduced as Porfiry’s assistant to help investigate the murder. He is left intrigued by Raskolnikov’s intelligent and insightful remarks and begins to see him as an intellectual equal, even though they don’t agree, and this rivalry sparks a series of philosophical debates between them.
Significance: His character foils Raskolnikov, in the sense that their interactions increased Raskolnikov’s mental torment by his crime, but ignited a desire to succeed for Zamyotov.
Zamyotov’s role begins when Raskolnikov is summoned to the station about a pawned item, drawing him into a web of intrigue and suspicion. His interactions with Raskolnikov are marked by a blend of suspicion and fascination, particularly during a tavern conversation where Raskolnikov hints at his involvement in the murders. This leaves him intrigued and unsettled, sensing deeper layers to Raskolnikov’s character. Despite his suspicions, Zamyotov lacks the perceptiveness and experience of the seasoned investigator Porfiry Petrovich, making him susceptible to Raskolnikov’s manipulations.
Polina, the daughter of Captain Marmeladov and the object of Sonya’s concern and care., a brave and curious young girl who discovers a mysterious and dangerous parallel universe.
Background: She is the oldest daughter of Katerina Marmeladov, forced to figure out life on her own due to hardship.
Personality: Polina is resilient, resourceful, and determined, but her vulnerability to others makes her easily exploited.
Development: As the oldest daughter, she is a witness to her father’s tragic downfall, and thus became guarded even though she was emotionally vulnerable.
Significance: Her character humanises Raskolnikov, drawing out his more empathic qualities. She also serves as a contrast to her sister’s more worldly and hardened personality, representing strength and resilience that isn’t all-consuming.
Polina’s embodies the themes of innocence and resilience in the face of hardship. Her character also serves to highlight the impact of social and economic conditions on children — with her personal experiences reflecting the broader societal issues that Dostoevsky critiques, such as the neglect and exploitation of the vulnerable.
Degree in M.C.M with focus on Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Israel loves to delve into rigorous analysis of themes with broader implications. As a passionate book lover and reviewer, Israel aims to contribute meaningful insights into broader discussions.
