Characters in Crime and Punishment
Dostoevsky's Novel Tells the Story of Raskolnikov, Sonya, and Others
There are many characters in 'Crime and Punishment,' each with a different role to play. Raskolnikov encounters both evil and good characters in Dostoevsky's novel.
Crime and Punishment is one of the most significant works of Russian literature. It was written by Dostoevsky in the latter half of the 19th century and is one of Russian literature's must-reads. However, the characters' names can be confusing. Who's who in Crime and Punishment?
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Raskolnikov
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, also referred to by various diminutives, is the main character of the book. Raskolnikov is a man in a dire situation – he is poor, ill, unemployed, a university dropout, and borders on insane. The crime he contemplates and commits spurs on the plot of the story and gives Dostoevsky plenty of excuses to discuss philosophy, psychology, and morality through Raskolnikov and other characters in Crime and Punishment.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Sonya
Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov, most often known as Sonya, is a girl in her late teens who has been forced prostitute herself in order to help support her impoverished family. Despite her line of work, Sonya is portrayed as pious, kind, and devoted – both to people and to faith. Raskolnikov's feelings towards Sonya are not clear, even to him, until the end of the novel.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Svidrigaylov
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigaylov is one unmistakably despicable character in Crime and Punishment, though his true nature is only revealed after he makes his appearance in St. Petersburg, the setting of the novel. Svidrigaylov is in hot pursuit of Dunya, Raskolnikov's sister, and once employed her at his estate. Rumors circulate about his treatement of servants and his wife, and his actions later indicate that he is capable of cruelty.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Dunya
Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov, simply called “Dunya,” is Raskolnikov's sister. While she is a savior character similar to Sonya, her intelligence and assertiveness differ from Sonya's simplicity and timidity.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Razumikhin
Dmitri Prokofich Razumikhin is Raskolnikov's university friend. His name is taken from the Russian word that means “reason” or “good sense.” Despite Raskolnikov's desire for isolation and his ill behavior, Razumikhin remains loyal to his friend. Razumikhin takes responsibility for Raskolnikov in many ways – he offers work, secures the services of a doctor when he discovers Raskolnikov is ill, comorts Raskolnikov's mother and sister, and even supplies Raskolnikov with clothing and money.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Luzhin
Peter Petrovich Luzhin is Dunya's fiance. Raskolnikov is immediately suspicious of his motives and intentions. The two form a strong opposition that ascertains Raskolnikov's devotion to his mother and sister.
Characters in Crime and Punishment: Porfiry Petrovich and Zamyotov
Porfiry Petrovich and Zamyotov are a legal examiner and a chief police clerk, respectively. Raskolnikov taunts these two men as he struggles with his internal conflicts. They succumb to Raskolnikov's taunts in order to find find evidence of his criminality, even though the city swarms with individuals whose corrupt behavior is indisputable.
Reference
Dostoevsky, Feodor. Crime and Punishment. Ed. George Gibian. New York: W. W. Norton, 1989.
