protagonist” src=”https://freebooksummary.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rodion-romanovich-raskolnikovthe-protagonist.jpg” alt=”(Rodion Romanovich) RASKOLNIKOV *The Protagonist” />
A poverty-stricken student who conceives of a theory of the “Ubermensch” or extraordinary man who has the right and/or obligation to trangress the laws of the ordinary man in order to give a New Word or idea to all of humanity. He uses this theory as a justification or rationalization to commit murder.
Russian root word “raskol” means “a schism” or “split.” “Raskol” is “one who splits”
Raskolnikov’s devoted sister who was previously Svidrigailov’s employee and who was propositioned by him. When the novel begins she is engaged to Pyotr Luzhin and later has Razumihin fall in love with her at first sight.
Raskolnikov’s mother who is frightened of her moody and intellectual son. She travels with Dounia to see Raskolnikov in St. Petersburg
(Dmitri Prokofitch) RAZUMIHIN
College friend of Raskolnikov’s. Falls in love with Dounia (Raskolnikov’s sister) at first sight.
“razum”= reason, intelligence
The landlady’s (Praskovya Pavlovna) maid who befriends Raskolnikov and looks after him when he is ill.
The sadistic and nasty moneylender whom Raskolnikov murders with the blunt side of an axe.
The mild, likable, mentally disabled half sister to Alyona who is brutalized by Alyona and murdered by Raskolnikov with the sharo side of the axe.
(Semyon Zaharovitch) MARMELADOV
A dismissed government clerk who is an alcoholic. Raskolnikov encounters him early in the novel, prior to murdering Alyona. Eventually he is run over by a carriage and dies. He is the father of 16 year old Sonya who has turned to prostitution since he no longer provides for the family due to his alcoholism.
“marmelad”= marmelade, jam
KATERINA IVANOVNA (Marmeladov)
Marmeladov’s consumptive wife had been previously married to an army officer by whom she had three children.
(Arkady Ivanovitch) SVIDRIGAILOV
A sensualist and vulgarian who asserts his own will in order to achieve his personal goals. Inappropriately propositions Dounia while she works for his family. His wife Marfa Petrovna once assumed Dounia had designs on him.
Svidrigailo= a Lithuanian prince
SONYA (Semyonovna Marmeladov)
A quiet, modest, suffering prostitute who will become Raskolnikov’s chief redemptive figure. Treasures a Bible that was given to her by Lizaveta.
An official of the investigating department who is in charge of the “crime.” Also, he is a relative of Razumihin
(Pyotr Petrovitch) LUZHIN
A petty and miserly clerk in government who wants a poor person for his bride so that she will be indebted to him. Develops a strong dislike for Raskolnikov since his (Raskolnikov’s) role threatens the degree to which Dounia and Pulcheria will be dependent on him.
“luzha”= a puddle
(Andrey Semyonovitch) LEBEZIATNIKOV
Luzhin’s roommate who calls himself an “advanced liberal.” Accused of having one time beat Katerina Ivanovna in the street.
Raskolnikov’s shy and plump landlady. Raskolnikov was one engaged to her daughter who was homely, sickly, and ultimately died.
The doctor who cares for Raskolnikov during his illness. Astutely observes that Raskolnikov is most disturbed by discussion of the murder.
(Alexander Gigorevitch) ZAMETOV
The chief clerk at the police station.
“zametit”= to notice, to realize
A loud and somewhat overbearing police official
One of two painters who were working in the flat below the pawnbroker’s flat at the time of the crime. Offers a false confession and attempts to hang himself.
One of two painters who were working in the flat below the pawnbroker’s flat at the time of the crime.
The Marmeladov’s landlady who is particularly disliked by Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov.
Kapernaumovs Sonya and Svidrigailov rent rooms from these rather depressed people. Remember: Sonya and Svidrigailov are practically neighbors with only an empty flat standing between their two separate dwellings.
Polenka, Lyona, Kolya (Kolka)
Polenka, Lyona, Kolya (Kolka) Katerina Ivanovna’s children by a previous marriage. Sonya’s greatest fear is that Polenka might have to enter into prostitution — Raskolnikov plagues her with this thought.