Mid 19th century. A poor district of St. Petersburg, adjacent to the Catherine Canal and Sennaya Square ("Crime and Punishment": the image of St. Petersburg "is a separate interesting topic). Summer evening. Raskolnikov Rodion Romanovich, a former student, leaves his closet, located in the attic, and goes to Alena Ivanovna, an old pawnbroker, in order to take the mortgage - her last valuable thing.So begins Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment", a summary of which we describe.

The main character intends to kill this old woman. Rodion stops by one of the cheap taverns on the way back. Here he accidentally gets acquainted with Marmeladov, who has lost his place, drunkenly. He tells Rodion how her husband's drunkenness, poverty and consumption pushed Katerina Ivanovna, his wife, to a cruel act - to send Sonya, his daughter from his first marriage, to the panel to earn money.

The thought of killing

The next morning, Raskolnikov receives a letter from his mother from the provinces describing the troubles that Dunya, his younger sister, suffered in the house of Svidrigailov, a depraved landowner. He also learns that his sister and mother will soon arrive in Petersburg, since a groom for Dunya was found here. This is Luzhin, a prudent businessman who wants to build a marriage not on love, but on the dependence and poverty of the bride. Raskolnikov's mother hopes that this person will help Rodion to graduate from the university. Thinking about the sacrifices that Dunya and Sonya make for the sake of their loved ones, Raskolnikov affirms his intention to kill Alena Ivanovna - this is an evil worthless "louse". After all, her money will save many young men and women from the undeserved suffering. But in Rodion's soul, the disgust for violence rises again after the dream that he sees. This is a memory of childhood: Raskolnikov sees the nag being beaten to death, and the boy's heart is filled with pity for her.

Raskolnikov commits the murder of Alena Ivanovna and Lizaveta

Rodion still not only kills Alena Ivanovna, but also Lizaveta, her meek, kind sister, who unexpectedly returned to the apartment. Having miraculously gone unnoticed, Raskolnikov hides the stolen goods in a random place, without even assessing its value.

The novel "Crime and Punishment" continues with the fact that soon the protagonist discovers with horror the alienation between himself and others. From the experience, Raskolnikov falls ill, but he cannot reject the burdensome worries of Razumikhin (university comrade). From a conversation with the doctor of the latter, the main character learns that the painter Mikolka has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Alena Ivanovna. This is an ordinary country boy. Reacting painfully to talk about a crime committed, Rodion arouses suspicion among those around him.

Luzhin's visit

Luzhin, who came on a visit, is shocked by the furnishings of Rodion's closet. Their conversation gradually develops into a quarrel, after which it ends with a break. Raskolnikov is especially offended by the closeness of the conclusions that Luzhin draws from "reasonable egoism" - the protagonist's own "theory" that it is possible to kill people. Luzhin's theory seems vulgar to him.

Raskolnikov gives money to the Marmeladovs

A sick young man, wandering around St. Petersburg, suffers, feeling alienated from the world. At this time, the image of St. Petersburg reappears in the work "Crime and Punishment", periodically appearing in the novel. The protagonist was already ready to confess to the authorities in the crime. Suddenly, in the novel Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov notices a man crushed by a carriage. This is Marmeladov. Out of compassion, Rodion spends the last of his money on a dying man: the doctor is called, Marmeladov is transferred to the house. Here Raskolnikov meets Sonya and Katerina Ivanovna. Sonya, dressed as a prostitute, says goodbye to her father. The protagonist of the novel "Crime and Punishment" helped the Marmeladovs and, thanks to this good deed, felt for a short time a community with people. But, having met his sister and mother at his apartment, he suddenly realizes himself "dead" for the love of relatives and drives them rudely. Raskolnikov is alone again. He hopes to get closer to Sonya, who, like himself, has "stepped over" an absolute commandment.

Raskolnikov's visit to the investigator, his "theory"

Razumikhin takes care of Rodion's relatives. He falls in love almost at first sight with Dunya. The offended Luzhin, meanwhile, puts the bride before a choice: either her brother, or him. Rodion, as if in order to find out about the fate of the things pawned from the murdered woman, but in fact - in order to dispel the suspicions of some of his acquaintances, he asks himself to meet with the investigator Porfiry Petrovich, who is in charge of the murder of Alena Ivanovna. Porfiry recalls Rodion's article "On Crime", published recently in the newspaper. He invites the author to explain the theory in which the idea of ​​"two categories of people" is developed. According to Raskolnikov, the "ordinary" majority is only material for the reproduction of the population. He needs a strict moral law and obedience. This category is "trembling creatures". There are also "higher" (actually people) who have the gift of a "new word". These people, in the name of the best, destroy the present, even if it is necessary for this to "step over" the moral norms previously established for the "lower ones", for example, to kill a person. Then these "criminals" become the creators of new laws. That is, by not recognizing the laws that are spoken of in the Bible ("do not steal", "do not kill", etc.), Raskolnikov thereby "allows" some people to shed "blood in conscience." Porfiry, smart and insightful, unravels the ideological killer in the hero, who claims to be Napoleon. However, the investigator has no evidence against Rodion - and he lets him go in the hope that his good nature will win in him. This will lead to the fact that Raskolnikov himself confesses to his deed.

The hero of the novel "Crime and Punishment", according to the chapters described by us, gradually becomes more and more convinced that he made a mistake in himself. Rodion is tormented by the "meanness" and "vulgarity" of a single murder. He understands that he is a "trembling creature": having killed, he could not overstep the law of morality. The motives for the crime in the mind of Rodion are twofold: this is both an act of "justice" and a test of "the highest level" of oneself.

Meeting with Svidrigailov

Svidrigailov, who arrived in St. Petersburg after Dunya, apparently guilty of the recent death of his wife, meets Rodion Raskolnikov and says that they are "of the same field", only Rodion has not yet completely "defeated Schiller" in himself. Raskolnikov, with all his disgust for this man, is attracted by his apparent ability to enjoy life, although Svidrigailov, the hero of the novel Crime and Punishment, committed so many crimes ... The characterization of this character is presented below, after a brief summary.

Exposing Luzhin

A decisive explanation with Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin takes place during dinner in one of the cheap rooms. Luzhin, one of the two "twins" of Raskolnikov in the novel "Crime and Punishment", settled here out of economy with Dunya and his mother. An analysis of the character of this hero is also presented at the end of the article. The groom is accused of slandering Sonya and Raskolnikov. Luzhin allegedly gave Sonya money for base services, which were selflessly collected by his mother for his studies. The groom, expelled in disgrace, is looking for a way to discredit Rodion in the eyes of his mother and sister.

Raskolnikov visits Sonya

Meanwhile, Raskolnikov, once again feeling a painful alienation from his loved ones, decides to come to Sonya. He seeks salvation from loneliness from this girl who has transgressed the commandment. However, Sonya is not alone. For the sake of others (hungry sisters and brothers), she sacrificed herself. This was done to her not for her own sake, like Rodion. Compassion for loved ones, love, faith in God never left Sonya. She reads the gospel lines to the protagonist about how Jesus resurrected Lazarus, hoping that a miracle will happen in her life. The hero fails to captivate Sonya with his "Napoleonic" plan to dominate the "anthill".

Second meeting with Porfiry

Rodion, tormented by both the desire for exposure and fear, comes again to Porfiry, allegedly worrying about the mortgage. In the end, at first glance, an abstract conversation on the topic of the psychology of criminals brings the young man to a nervous breakdown. He practically impersonates Porfiry. Rodion is saved by the unexpected confession of the painter Mikolka in the murder of the pawnbroker.

The second exposure of Luzhin

A commemoration for the father and husband was held in the Marmeladovs' room. During them, Katerina Ivanovna insults the hostess of the apartment in a fit of morbid pride. This woman tells her to leave immediately with the children. Suddenly, Luzhin appears, who lives in the same house, and says that Sonya stole a hundred-ruble banknote from him. The "guilt" of the girl is proved: money is found in the pocket of her apron. In the eyes of others, she is now also a thief. However, suddenly there is a witness who says that Luzhin himself slipped Sonya a piece of paper. The slanderer is disgraced, and Raskolnikov explains the reasons for his act as follows: having humiliated Sonya and his brother in the eyes of Dunya, he wanted to return the favor of his bride.

Raskolnikov confesses to Sonya in the murder

"Crime and Punishment" chapter by chapter continues with the fact that Rodion confesses to Sonya in the murder. It happens in the following way. Raskolnikov goes to her apartment. Here the hero confesses to Sonya that he killed Lizaveta and the old woman. The girl pities Rodion for the moral torments to which he doomed himself. She offers Raskolnikov to atone for his guilt by hard labor, confessing everything voluntarily. Rodion, on the other hand, laments only that he turned out to be in fact a "trembling creature", with a need for love and conscience. He replies: "I'll still fight." Meanwhile, Katerina Ivanovna finds herself on the street with the children. She dies of a throat bleed after refusing a priest. Svidrigailov, who is present here, agrees to pay for the funeral, as well as provide for Sonya and the children.

Raskolnikov is found at home by Porfiry, who convinces him to turn himself in. The investigator does not believe that Mikolka is to blame. He only "accepted suffering", following the primordial people's need for atonement for the sin of inconsistency with Christ, his ideal.

However, Rodion still hopes to "transcend" morality. He sees before him the example of Svidrigailov. The sad truth is revealed to the hero by their meeting in the tavern: the life of this "villain" is empty and painful.

Dunya's reciprocity remains the only hope for Svidrigailov to return to God. Convinced that the girl does not love him, he commits suicide a few hours later. So this hero is eliminated from the work "Crime and Punishment". An analysis of this character will be made at the end of the article.

Raskolnikov decides to confess and says goodbye before that to Sonya and family. He still remains convinced that his "theory" is correct. Rodion is filled with contempt for himself. But, at the insistence of Sonya, Raskolnikov repentantly kisses the earth in front of the people, since he "sinned" before her. He learns at the police office that Svidrigailov committed suicide, after which he confesses to the murder of Alena Ivanovna.

Raskolnikov in Siberia

Dostoevsky continues his novel ("Crime and Punishment"). A summary of the events that took place in the epilogue of the work is as follows. Raskolnikov in Siberia, in prison. His mother died of grief, and Dunya married Razumikhin. Sonya settled near the main character and visits him, patiently enduring his indifference and gloom. And here the nightmare of alienation continues: the convicts from the common people hate him, considering them "godless". To Sonya, on the contrary, they treat with love and tenderness, which we learn about by reading the epilogue. "Crime and Punishment" in this part of the work also describes another dream of Raskolnikov. Rodion, once in the prison hospital, has a dream that resembles pictures from the Apocalypse. Inhabiting people, the mysterious "trichinas" give rise in them to a fanatical conviction that they are right and intolerant of the opinions of others. In senseless rage, people killed each other until the entire human race was exterminated, except for a few "chosen ones." Finally, it is revealed to Rodion that pride of the mind leads to death and discord, and humility of the heart is the path to the fullness of life and unity in love. In the hero, "endless love" awakens for Sonya. He takes the gospel into his hands on the threshold of his "resurrection" for a new life.

Thus ends Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. The summary does not describe in detail the relationship between the characters in the novel. For this purpose, we decided to supplement the article with a description of the main characters. We present you the images created by Dostoevsky.

"Crime and Punishment": the heroes of the work

In the system of characters, Raskolnikov occupies a central place, since it is to him that the main lines of the story lead. The image of Raskolnikov connects various situations and episodes of the novel. The rest of the characters appear on the stage primarily because they are needed to characterize Rodion. They make him argue, worry about them, sympathize, cause the main character to have a whole stream of various emotions and impressions. This is how the image of Raskolnikov is revealed.

The system of characters in this work is dynamic. The ratio of actors and heroes who have left the stage in the novel "Crime and Punishment" is constantly changing. Analyzing the work, one can notice that some of them cease to participate in the development of the novel, while others, on the contrary, appear. So, Marmeladov dies (part two, chapter seven), Katerina Ivanovna (part five, chapter five), Luzhin appears for the last time in the fifth part (chapter three), Porfiry Petrovich - in the sixth (chapter two), and Svidrigailov decides to shoot himself in sixth part (chapter six).

The character system changes significantly as the epilogue begins. "Crime and Punishment" becomes a work in which only two characters remain. This is Rodion and Sonya. This is due both to the eventful side of the novel, and to the fact that Sonya, according to the author's intention, should play a special role in Raskolnikov's fate, help this hero be reborn to a new life in the finale of the work Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov returning to God and people.

The characters, each in their own way, reveal various aspects of Rodion's personality. Raskolnikov's relationship with his mother, sister, Svidrigailov, Luzhin, Marmeladovs, Razumikhin, Porfiry Petrovich, Sonya can be described as conflict. Raskolnikov has an outward resemblance to many of them (material and social position, relations with conscience and law). However, internal differences (psychological, moral, ideological) are more important, which do not allow Rodion to lead a life similar to the one they lead.

Raskolnikov has two spiritual "doubles". In the novel Crime and Punishment, these heroes are Svidrigailov and Luzhin. These two characters have a lot in common with the main character. They are united, for example, by the principle of permissiveness. However, the resemblance of the protagonist to his "doubles" is purely external. You can verify this by comparing the moral character and worldview of these two characters with the inner appearance of Raskolnikov.

Rodion has his own way in life. A number of possibilities open before him. He may try to atone for his guilt by repenting, or follow the path of crime to the end. Rodion has to make a choice. Various life opportunities are represented by the secondary characters of the novel. Raskolnikov can reject them or accept them in the work "Crime and Punishment".

Marmeladova Sonya is the moral antipode of Rodion. However, these heroes have something in common: both of them are outcasts, both are lonely. Raskolnikov feels this, telling the girl that they are "cursed together." He is drawn to Sonya, as she is the only person who can understand him in Crime and Punishment. Sonya is the only one to whom Rodion is ready to fully reveal his soul. The hero is horrified by the thought of the possibility of telling someone else his secret, even a close person (Razumikhin, mother, sister). Therefore, it is to her that he confesses to the murder, and it is this heroine who follows the protagonist of the work "Crime and Punishment" to "hard labor". Sonya is capable of self-sacrifice, it is through her that this theme is largely revealed in the work.

"Crime and Punishment" is a novel about faith and love. Sonya understood with her heart in the confession of this hero the most important thing: Rodion is suffering, he is unhappy. The girl did not understand anything in his theory, but she felt that it was unfair. Sonya did not believe that there was a "right to kill." The girl, despite all the misfortunes experienced, kept her faith in God. Therefore, it can be called a criminal only outwardly. She chose a different path than Rodion. This is humility before God, not rebellion. It is he who, according to Dostoevsky, leads to salvation. Sonya, resigned, saves not only herself, but also the main character. It was love for this girl that opened up the opportunity for Rodion to come to terms with people, with life. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the attitude of the convicts towards him changed after a meeting with Sonya.

Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov is one of the central characters in the work. This is a nobleman who served in the cavalry for two years. After that, he was a sharper in St. Petersburg. Having connected his life with Marfa Petrovna, who bought him out of prison, he lived in the village for seven years. This is a cynic who loves debauchery. A number of serious crimes lies on his conscience. This is the suicide of Philip, the servant, as well as the 14-year-old girl who was insulted by him. Perhaps Svidrigailov also poisoned his own wife. As if the nightmare of the protagonist generated the image of this double of Raskolnikov. He, unlike Rodion, is on the other side of good and evil. At first glance, Svidrigailov has no doubts. That is why he is so worried about the main character, who feels that Arkady Ivanovich has power over him, that he is mysterious. The moral law no longer has power over Svidrigailov. He is free, but it does not bring him joy. Arkady Ivanovich is left with only vulgarity and worldly boredom. Trying to overcome it, he has fun as he can. Ghosts appear to him at night: the servant Philip, Marfa Petrovna ... The indistinguishability of good and evil renders this hero meaningless. Therefore, it is no coincidence that eternity appears to Svidrigailov in the form of a village bathhouse with spiders. His soul is practically dead. The hero, in the end, decides to shoot himself with a gun.

The second "double" of Raskolnikov is Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin. "Crime and Punishment" is a novel in which he is presented as a type of "capitalist" and businessman. He is 45 years old. This is a portly, prim, with a squeamish and cautious physiognomy. He is arrogant and sullen. Luzhin dreams of opening a law office in St. Petersburg. This hero highly values ​​his abilities and his mind. After reading the novel "Crime and Punishment", you will see that he is used to admiring them. However, Luzhin values ​​money most of all. In the name of "economic truth" and "science" he defends progress. Luzhin preaches from other people's words, as he has heard enough of the speeches of Lebezyatnikov, his friend, a progressive. He believes that you should love yourself first of all, since everything is based on personal interest.

Luzhin, struck by the education and beauty of Dunya Raskolnikova, proposes to this girl. His pride is flattered by the thought that she, having experienced many misfortunes, will obey him all her life and revere him. Luzhin, moreover, hopes that Dunya's charm will help his career. This hero lives in St. Petersburg with Lebezyatnikov in order to "seek out" from the youth, thus insuring himself against unexpected demarches on their part. Feeling hatred for Raskolnikov, who kicked him out, Luzhin ("Crime and Punishment") tries to quarrel with his sister and mother. He gives Sonya 10 rubles during the commemoration, after which he imperceptibly slips another 100 into her pocket in order to publicly accuse the girl of stealing. However, he is forced to retreat, exposed by Lebezyatnikov.

Each of us must have heard the story of an old woman killed with an ax by a crazy student - this is Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment. The main characters are woven into a chain of complex events from which they find a way out. The work will teach everyone to live judiciously, sincerely forgive and love passionately.

History of writing a novel

"Crime and Punishment": the main characters of the work

In the novel, the author involved a few people around whom the main series of events takes place. The main character is Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a retired student who decides to kill Alena Ivanovna, an old pawnbroker. Lizaveta is the sister of the pawnbroker, who also dies at the hands of a young man. An experienced investigator, Porfiry Petrovich, takes on the task of solving the crime. Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Avdotya Romanovna are the mother and sister of Rodion Raskolnikov. The family lives modestly and tries to help a poor student. Dunya was even listed as a servant of Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov, who tried to corrupt her. In order to completely forget her past, the girl accepts the proposal of the wealthy Mr. Petr Petrovich Luzhin to marry and move to St. Petersburg. Andrey Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov is a retired official who lives in a small apartment with his wife Katerina Ivanovna and three small children. Raskolnikov falls in love with his eldest daughter Sonya, who will later be his salvation. Dmitry Prokofievich Razumikhin is a true friend of Rodion, who takes care of Dunya and Pulcheria Alexandrovna in difficult times.

The main storyline of the novel

Rodion Raskolnikov lives on his mother's money and sometimes sells his things to the pawnbroker Alena Ivanovna. The old woman annoys him so much that he guesses the time, bursts into the apartment and hacks her with an ax. Suddenly, sister Elizabeth returns, who also becomes an unfortunate victim. He acted like a cruel person, but Raskolnikov's characterization - his positive qualities - allows readers to look at him from the other side. He is obsessed with the desire to take possession of the old woman's wealth only because he is poor himself, but his conscience does not allow him to appropriate the loot, and he gets rid of the profit.

After the crime, Avdotya Romanovna and Pulcheria Alexandrovna visit Rodion and try to help him - he seems sick to them. In the first chapters, Raskolnikov meets the bankrupt official Lebezyatnikov in a tavern, who, drunk, throws himself under a horse and dies. Due to an accident, Rodion recognizes the family of the deceased and draws attention to his eldest daughter Sonya, to whom he confesses to the murder of the old woman and her sister. The understanding girl asks him to repent, and the investigator is in no hurry to put him in jail and allows him to walk free for several days.

Epilogue analysis

In the afterword, the author tells about the imprisonment of the protagonist in a Siberian fortress. Here, Raskolnikov's characterization changes - he becomes sensual and conscientious, repents of a crime and does not try to justify himself. Dunya tells her mother that her son has gone on a long business trip, but the old woman, without waiting for him, dies of illness. Razumikhin does not leave his friend in trouble and decides to move to Siberia. Struck by the nobility of a friend, Dunya marries this man. Sonya found every way to see Rodion - they love each other, and neither distance nor sentence frightened them.

Women's and in the novel

In each work of heroes can be divided into positive and negative. The images in "Crime and Punishment" are so colorful that the reader can not immediately evaluate them. Dostoevsky portrays Raskolnikov, the criminal has a big loving heart, a desire to help his neighbor, a desire to repent. There is also an ambiguous opinion about Lebezyatnikov - he is a big drinker, rarely remembers his family, but his naivety and unstable financial situation become an excuse for this. The description of the unhappy life of a bankrupt official is given several pages in the novel Crime and Punishment.

The main characters of the work are mostly positive, and among the secondary ones, two negative male images stand out - Svidrigailov and Luzhin. Razumikhin is Raskolnikov's best friend, who is support for himself and his family. The female images of Pulcheria Alexandrovna, Dunya and Sonya are idealized in the novel, and it is impossible to assess the old pawnbroker alone: ​​she seemed mean and evil to the hero, and Dostoevsky is silent about her other qualities.

Execution cannot be pardoned

People are born and die day after day, and it begins to seem to Raskolnikov that there is nothing wrong if he kills the old pawnbroker. But is he right to think so? The novel "Crime and Punishment" raises complex philosophical questions, the answers to which are subsequently found by the hero himself.

Rodion thinks for a long time whether to "execute" the old woman or "pardon", but still doubts the need for her existence, and therefore decides that if she ends up in the next world, everyone will be calmer. At the scene of the crime, the killer behaves less confidently: he is lost and is not even able to endure all the wealth of the pawnbroker. He is tormented by hallucinations, phobias, he goes crazy with hopelessness. It would be better if he pardoned Alena Ivanovna, because now, after her death, he was left with nothing.

Characteristics of Rodion Raskolnikov: is he a trembling creature or has a right?

The protagonist does not have manic inclinations, and he decides to kill Alena Ivanovna consciously. The old woman lives her life alone with wealth, which is more suitable for orphans, and not for one who does not need anything. Raskolnikov's plan seems extremely simple, but the hero does not think about the consequences. This youthful naivete was the cause of the subsequent failures of the poor student. The novel "Crime and Punishment" teaches you to think about the consequences, and not be as unreasonable as the main character.

Raskolnikov faces a dilemma: is he a trembling creature or has a right? The hero believes that in this world he must establish himself through murder, fulfilling his main desire - this is what a strong person would do. This philosophy leads Raskolnikov to a dead end.

What fate does F. Dostoevsky choose for the hero? "Crime and Punishment" as a warning novel

Even the most terrible villain has the right to be justified. Raskolnikov's act can be understood: the author first deprives him of his mind, and then directs him to let the truth. Rodion is experiencing not because he committed a crime, but because he considered himself "having the right."

Raskolnikov is very young and stupid, and it would be wrong to condemn him. Having obeyed the slogan "the end justifies the means", he kills Alena Ivanovna, but not just like that - he takes care of his mother, the future of his sister, helps the family of the late Marmeladov, thinks about disadvantaged children and is going to allocate part of the money to needy orphans. If he were a wealthy person, he would never commit murder, and then the crime and punishment would not have been committed. The main characters - Rodion's friend, his mother and sister - do not condemn him, but try to understand. Sincere repentance exalts any criminal, and the repentant Raskolnikov will be worthy of a different life with a person who will always be there, help and support - with Sonya Marmeladova. Dostoevsky chooses an ending when a person's life does not end on the scaffold, but continues.

savior and guardian angel

Love can work miracles. It changes a person from the inside, directs to the path of truth and gives an incentive to live on. For Rodion Raskolnikov, Sonya turned out to be a salvation. "Crime and Punishment" tells how the main character changes after meeting this girl: without her, he would have died in prison from illness and boredom, he would hardly have realized his act, would not repent. Before confessing to the murder, he goes outside and kisses the ground, sincerely regrets what happened.

The work describes the love of two unfortunate people who have become happy in their own way. Someday Raskolnikov will be released from prison, and he and Sonya will live a full life and will thank fate for allowing them to meet each other after many trials.

In this article, we will consider and discuss the characteristics of Raskolnikov, the main character in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment. In general, the novel can teach the importance of being reasonable, being open to forgiveness, and showing true love. It took Dostoevsky about six years to think about the plot and the main ideas of the novel, so the book is certainly deep and worth reading if you haven't already.

We note right away that on our website you can get acquainted not only with Raskolnikov's characterization, but also read a summary of Crime and Punishment, as well as an analysis of the novel.

So, the events basically revolve around a few characters in total, that is, there are not so many of them for such a serious work. The main character is Raskolnikov Rodion Romanovich, who killed the old pawnbroker Alena Ivanovna. In addition, he kills her sister Lizaveta.

Description and appearance of Raskolnikov

Already in the first chapter, the reader gets acquainted with the main character. This is a young man, his general condition can be called painful and mixed. He is gloomy, all the time thinking about something and closed in himself. Rodion Raskolnikov abandoned his studies at the university, where he studied law, and now lives in a meager environment, in a small, miserable-looking room. His clothes are already worn out, and he has no money to buy new things, however, as well as to pay debts for an apartment and study.

We see how Raskolnikov's characterization is more clearly revealed in the novel Crime and Punishment when we study his portrait. The hero has a very good appearance, beautiful dark eyes, dark blond hair, he has a slender physique, and his height is average, or slightly higher.

The character and personality of Raskolnikov are as follows: the young man is quite smart, educated, but at the same time proud and tries to be independent. The fact that he found himself in such a humiliating financial situation affects his mood, he walks gloomy and looks at everyone frowningly. Raskolnikov does not want to communicate with others, and he considers it a shame and humiliation to accept help even from close people, such as Dmitry Razumikhin (his friend) or an elderly mother.

What is Raskolnikov's idea

Proud of himself, with a sick pride, and at the same time a beggar, the main character Raskolnikov, whose characteristics we are studying, hatches an idea. It lies in the fact that people are all divided into two groups: ordinary and those with the right. Raskolnikov thinks about what his purpose is and prepares a crime. By killing the old woman, the hero will understand whether his idea is true and whether a new life will begin, and he will somehow make society happy.

Life shows that everything is wrong. Raskolnikov failed to rob the apartment - he did not force himself to take the stolen goods for his own needs, but at the same time, Raskolnikov's characterization is overshadowed by two murders - an old pawnbroker and a wretched Lizaveta. He becomes disgusted with himself, and now he begins to understand that he did not have to imagine himself as Napoleon and perform a feat. Now the moral line has been crossed, he has become a murderer. Raskolnikov cannot communicate with people, and practically goes crazy.

Punishment and the idea of ​​Dostoevsky

Close people of Raskolnikov are trying to help the young man get rid of the oppressive state and provide support, but the pride of the young man does not allow him to accept help. In the end, he ends up alone.

He begins to take part in the fate of other, unfamiliar people. This can be seen in the example of the Marmeladovs. However, nobility leads to irritation, annoyance and longing.

Although we briefly examined the characterization of Raskolnikov in the novel Crime and Punishment, the question arises, what is the main idea that the author of the novel wanted to convey to readers? The hero receives punishment instantly, immediately after he commits a kill. He is painfully tormented by doubts, conscience and other depressing feelings. After breaking up with family and friends, he is on the verge of insanity, and this is a hundred times worse than the long years spent in hard labor. Fyodor Dostoevsky tries to give a warning to readers so that they do not err and do not act recklessly. The main thing that should be in a person's life is high morality, genuine faith in God and a manifestation of love for others.

This article presented the characteristics of Raskolnikov in the novel "Crime and Punishment". You might be interested in more articles

/ Heroes of Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment"

In the novel "Crime and Punishment" Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky showed a large number of characters, of which quite a few have solid and well-described characters. However, among all the images, one can single out the images of Rodion Raskolnikov and Sonya Marmeladova, who, in turn, are shown as antipodal heroes. It is they who are the main characters of the work, around which all the events in the novel unfold. Secondary characters, although they have solid characters, are needed for greater disclosure of the images of the main characters. All secondary heroes can be divided into antipodes and twins.

The main characters of Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment"

- an educated, intelligent, but poor student. The poverty of the hero's family leads him to the fact that he decides to test his theory about creatures that tremble and have the right. So he kills the old pawnbroker. Around this event, further narration is being conducted. The author pays great attention to the inner thoughts of the hero, introduces the technique of psychologism into the narrative. F. M. Dostoevsky showed that Raskolnikov's theory differs in many respects from real life. And at the end of the novel, the character realizes this. He confesses to the murder.

Raskolnikov's thoughts are influenced. She, like Rodion, is forced to take a special step because of the poverty of her family: to go on a yellow ticket. The ability to self-sacrifice is the main feature of the heroine. She is kind and sincere. Sonechka steadfastly endures all difficulties on her way.

Secondary characters of Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment"

The gallery of secondary characters of the novel "Crime and Punishment" is opened by the image of an old pawnbroker. about 60 years old. The relationship of this character with Raskolnikov is that the old woman is engaged in usury, and Rodion comes to her as a client. The author shows the heroine greedy for money and absolutely soulless. She does not care about the life situations of people, on the valuable things that her clients pawn, she makes a huge profit, as she takes large percentages.

It is precisely such a heartless woman that Raskolnikov kills, testing his theory. However, in addition to Alena Ivanovna at the time of the murder, her pregnant sister Lizaveta, whom Rodion also kills, was in the house. Lizaveta had a rather tragic fate. She had health problems, no one took her seriously, her own sister used her as a servant. However, she was not embittered at the world, she was kind and meek.

The main characters are brought together by the fact that they treated their families with awe and love.

Pulcheria Alexandrovna is the mother of Rodion Raskolnikov. She sincerely loves her son and, despite her poverty, tries her best to help him financially. She is very close with her daughter Dunya.

- the sister of the protagonist, who have a warm relationship. She is a beautiful and educated girl. Despite her poor position, she is quite proud, ready to stand up for herself.

Sony's father. This is a kind man who was broken by life's difficulties, as a result of which he becomes a drunkard, and then tragically dies. The author calls the hero only by his last name, since Marmeladov is a small man, one of the brightest representatives of this type in Russian literature. The significance of this image in the work is quite large. It is after Raskolnikov's meeting with Marmeladov that the main character becomes convinced of the injustice of the world, of the injustice of dividing people into poor and rich. The meeting of the heroes was a kind of confirmation of Raskolnikov's theory.

Marmeladov's wife - - has a stronger and firmer character. A noblewoman by birth, she became poor and was left a widow with three children, and then married Marmeladov. Despite all life's difficulties, she does not give up and goes to the end. However, the life of the heroine ends tragically: she dies of consumption.

The entire Marmeladov family is the personification of humiliated and offended people. Here is shown the inconsistency of the social situation that prevailed in St. Petersburg at that time. This is what prompted the main character not to empty words, but to concrete actions, to an attempt to fight the injustice of the world.

Two other heroes are also connected with the image of Sonechka: and Luzhin. They, in turn, are a kind of twins of Rodion Raskolnikov.

- a wealthy man who holds the rank of court adviser. Money made a vile and greedy person out of the hero. He is prudent, wants to own Sonya as a slave. He considers himself to be her savior. The heroine's poverty leads to Sonya's wedding with Luzhin, but she was not destined to happen. Luzhin, like Raskolnikov, has his own theory. This is the theory of the whole caftan, according to which one should only care about one's own well-being and not at all think about the situation of other people. Luzhin is not accustomed to sympathize with people, he is vile and financially dependent.

Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov also owns his theory. This theory is similar to Raskolnikov's theory. The hero believes that evil in the name of a good cause is not considered evil. That is why Svidrigailov commits many bad deeds in life. The author does not exactly talk about the hero's involvement in the death of Marfa Petrovna, Svidrigailov's wife. However, the hero thinks about it. But he is not as soulless as Luzhin. At the end of his life, Svidrigailov realizes that he has led the wrong way of life all this time, so he commits suicide.

F.M. It is not in vain that Dostoevsky uses the technique of duplicity in his work. The theories of Luzhin and Svidrigailov are a kind of mirror reflection of the theory of Raskolnikov himself. And Raskolnikov, and Luzhin, and Svidrigailov use the principle of permissiveness. Heroes-twins are needed in order to show the practical life of this theory, to show its inconsistency.

The author also expressed his opinion about nihilism, the face of which is the image of Lebezyatnikov. He describes it quite satirically and ironically. This hero is connected ideologically with Raskolnikov. Only one lives in theories, and the other, on the contrary, in practice.

Much attention to F.M. Dostoevsky pays attention to the investigation of the murder of an old pawnbroker and her sister. In the narrative, images of investigators appear.

One of the important is the image. This is a smart and rather cunning investigator, who from the very first minutes was sure of Raskolnikov's involvement in the murder. For him, it was important not to prove Rodion's guilt, but to make sure that the killer in the crime was created independently. To do this, he uses psychological methods of influencing the main character, which makes the character a truly talented investigator.

As a result, and in the narrative as a whole, the image of Mikolka appears, who takes the blame for the murder of the old pawnbroker. This hero is the embodiment of the idea of ​​voluntary suffering. This character and the image of Lizaveta are kind of twins of Sonya Marmeladova. All of them are soft in nature, ready for mercy and self-sacrifice. These images are the personification of humility.

For a great characterization of Raskolnikov, other characters are also introduced into the narrative.

- a friend of Rodion, the same student. Such people are called optimists. He, like Raskolnikov, is poor, but this does not break him, he is a cheerful and sociable person who tries to help Rodion in many things. The author describes the hero as a good person who can always be relied upon. This spiritual kindness helps the hero connect his life with Dunya Raskolnikova, although their wedding was poor and "quiet". Razumikhin, as it were, is opposed to Raskolnikov. This is manifested in the fact that Rodion's friend is used to doing many "small" things, and Raskolnikov is an adherent of one big thing.

Thus, F.M. Dostoevsky in the novel "Crime and Punishment" put the poor student Rodion Raskolnikov at the center of the story. And in order to understand and reveal the inconsistency of the theory of this character, the author introduces many heroes: Luzhin, Svidrigailov, Porfiry Petrovich, Razumikhin, Lebezyatnikov, who have their own views. Some of them are similar to Raskolnikov's point of view on the world, some are completely opposite to him. The secondary characters, as it were, reveal some qualities of Rodion Raskolnikov and Sonechka Marmeladova.

In the novel "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, the main characters are complex and contradictory characters. Their fate is closely connected with the conditions of life, the environment in which life takes place, and individual characteristics. It is possible to characterize the heroes of Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" only on the basis of their actions, since we do not hear the voice of the author in the work.

Rodion Raskolnikov - the main character of the novel

Rodion Raskolnikov- the central character of the work. The young man has an attractive appearance. “By the way, he was remarkably good-looking, with beautiful dark eyes, dark-haired, taller than average, thin and slender.” An outstanding mind, a proud character, sick pride and a beggarly existence are the reasons for the criminal behavior of the hero. Rodion highly appreciates his abilities, considers himself an exceptional person, dreams of a great future, but his financial situation depresses him. He has nothing to pay for his studies at the university, he does not have enough money to pay off his landlady. The young man's clothes attract the attention of passers-by with their shabby and old look. Trying to cope with the circumstances, Rodion Raskolnikov goes to kill the old pawnbroker. Thus, he tries to prove to himself that he belongs to the highest category of people and can step over blood. “Am I a trembling creature, or do I have a right,” he thinks. But one crime leads to another. An innocent poor woman dies. The hero theory of the right of a strong personality leads to a dead end. Only Sonya's love awakens in him faith in God, revives him to life. Raskolnikov's personality consists of opposite qualities. An indifferent cruel killer gives his last pennies for the funeral of an unfamiliar person, intervenes in the fate of a young girl, trying to save her from dishonor.

Minor characters

The images of the characters who play the main role in the narrative become fuller and brighter as a result of the description of their relationships with other people. Family members, friends, acquaintances, episodic persons that appear in the plot help to better understand the idea of ​​the work, to understand the motives of actions.

To make the appearance of the characters in the novel clearer to the reader, the writer uses various techniques. We get acquainted with a detailed description of the characters, delve into the details of the dreary interior of the apartments, consider the dull gray streets of St. Petersburg.

Sofia Marmeladova

Sofia Semyonovna Marmeladova- a young unfortunate creature. "Sonya was short, about eighteen years old, thin, but rather pretty blonde, with wonderful blue eyes." She is young, naive and very kind. A drunken father, a sick stepmother, hungry half-sisters and a brother - this is the environment in which the heroine lives. She is a shy and timid person, unable to stand up for herself. But this fragile creature is ready to sacrifice itself for the sake of loved ones. She sells the body, engaging in prostitution to help the family, goes after the convicted Raskolnikov. Sonya is a kind, selfless and deeply religious person. This gives her strength to cope with all the trials and find well-deserved happiness.

Semyon Marmeladov

Marmeladov Semyon Zakharovich- no less significant character of the work. He is a former official, father of a family with many children. A weak and weak-willed person solves all his problems with the help of alcohol. A man dismissed from service dooms his wife and children to starvation. They live in a walk-through room in which there is almost no furnishings. Kids do not go to school, do not have a change of clothes. Marmeladov is able to drink away the last money, take the pennies earned from his eldest daughter in order to get drunk and get away from problems. Despite this, the image of the hero evokes pity and compassion, since the circumstances turned out to be stronger than him. He himself suffers from his vice, but cannot cope with it.

Avdotya Raskolnikova

Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova is the sister of the protagonist. A girl from a poor, but honest and decent family. Dunya is smart, well-educated, well-mannered. She is "remarkably pretty", which, unfortunately, attracts the attention of men. Character traits "she looked like a brother." Avdotya Raskolnikova, a proud and independent nature, resolute and purposeful, was ready to marry an unloved person for the sake of her brother's well-being. Self-esteem and hard work will help her to arrange her fate and avoid irreparable mistakes.

Dmitry Vrazumikhin

Dmitry Prokofievich Vrazumikhin- the only friend of Rodion Raskolnikov The poor student, unlike his friend, does not drop out of school. He earns a living by all available means and never ceases to hope for good luck. Poverty does not prevent him from making plans. Razumikhin is a noble man. He disinterestedly tries to help a friend, takes care of his family. Love for Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova inspires a young man, makes him stronger and more determined.

Pyotr Luzhin

Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin- a respectable, respectable middle-aged man of pleasant appearance. He is a successful businessman, the happy fiance of Dunya Raskolnikova, a rich and self-confident gentleman. In fact, under the mask of integrity hides a low and vile nature. Taking advantage of the girl's plight, he proposes to her. In his actions, Pyotr Petrovich is guided not by disinterested motives, but by his own benefit. He dreams of a wife who would be slavishly obedient and grateful until the end of her days. For the sake of his own interests, he pretends to be in love, tries to slander Raskolnikov, accuse Sonya Marmeladova of stealing.

Arkady Svidrigailov

Svidrigailov Arkady Ivanovich- one of the most mysterious faces in the novel. The owner of the house where Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova worked. He is cunning and dangerous to others. Svidrigailov is a vicious person. Being married, he tries to seduce Dunya. He is accused of killing his wife, seducing young children. The terrible nature of Svidrigailov is capable, oddly enough, of noble deeds. He helps Sonya Marmeladova justify herself, arranges the fate of orphaned children. Rodion Raskolnikov, having committed a crime, becomes like this hero, as he transgresses the moral law. It is no coincidence that in a conversation with Rodion, he says: "We are one field of berries."

Pulcheria Raskolnikova

Raskolnikova Pulcheria Alexandrovna- mother of Rodion and Dunya. The woman is poor, but honest. The person is kind and sympathetic. A loving mother, ready for any sacrifice and deprivation for her children.

F. M. Dostoevsky pays very little attention to some of his heroes. But they are necessary in the course of the story. Thus, the investigation process cannot be imagined without the clever, cunning, but noble investigator Porfiry Petrovich. The young doctor Zosimov treats and understands the psychological state of Rodion during his illness. An important witness to the weakness of the protagonist in the police station is the assistant to the quarter warden Ilya Petrovich. Luzhin's friend Andrei Semenovich Lebezyatnikov returns the good name to Sonya and exposes the false groom. The seemingly insignificant events associated with the names of these heroes play an important role in the development of the plot.

The meaning of episodic persons in the work

On the pages of the great work of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, we also meet other characters. The list of heroes of the novel is supplemented by episodic characters. Katerina Ivanovna, Marmeladov's wife, unfortunate orphans, a girl on the boulevard, Alena Ivanovna, the greedy old pawnbroker, ill Lizovet. Their appearance is not accidental. Each, even the most insignificant image, carries its own semantic load and serves to embody the author's intention. Important and necessary are all the heroes of the novel "Crime and Punishment", the list of which can be continued further.

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