Crime and Punishment Character
RR
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov
Protagonist
Also known as: Raskolnikov
Intellectually arrogant
Morally conflicted
Guilt-ridden
Ideologically driven
A poor former law student living in St. Petersburg who believes that extraordinary men are above moral laws. To test this theory, he murders an old pawnbroker, after which he is consumed by guilt and psychological suffering. He ultimately confesses and seeks redemption through punishment. He symbolizes moral crisis, guilt, and the search for redemption.
SS
Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov
Supporting
Also known as: Sonia, Sofya
Compassionate
Self-sacrificing
Faithful
Empathetic
The daughter of a poor family who was forced into prostitution to support them. She serves as a symbol of compassion, love, and faith in God for Raskolnikov. Her sympathy and willingness to sacrifice inspire him to surrender and seek redemption.
AR
Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova
Supporting
Also known as: Dunya
Strong-willed
Dignified
Independent
Self-respecting
Raskolnikov's sister, commonly called Dunya throughout the novel. She takes on family responsibilities and makes sacrifices when needed while fiercely guarding her independence and self-respect. Her character embodies women's struggle, self-respect, and determination.
AI
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
Antagonist
Also known as: Svidrigailov
Hedonistic
Morally ambiguous
Sinful
Capable of pity
Dunya's former employer, a wealthy man who attempts to seduce her. He is a deeply complex character, simultaneously hedonistic and sinful yet capable of moments of genuine pity and generosity. He ultimately commits suicide, symbolizing the duality of human nature and moral ambiguity.
DP
Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin
Supporting
Also known as: Razumikhin
Honest
Kind-hearted
Lively
Loyal
Raskolnikov's close friend, an honest and lively young man with a warm heart. He supports Raskolnikov through his darkest periods and eventually falls in love with and marries Dunya. He symbolizes humanity, friendship, and positive moral strength.
PP
Porfiry Petrovich
Supporting
Intelligent
Perceptive
Psychologically astute
Methodical
The sharp investigator in charge of the pawnbroker's murder case. Rather than relying solely on physical evidence, he employs psychological analysis to uncover the truth. He symbolizes justice, law, and the power of psychology.
PA
Pulcheria Alexandrovna
Minor
Loving
Emotional
Worried
Trusting
Raskolnikov's mother, a loving and emotionally devoted woman deeply concerned about her son's future. She symbolizes a mother's unconditional sacrifice and trust in her child.
KI
Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladova
Minor
Proud
Suffering
Dignified
Stubborn
Sonia's stepmother, a woman who is ill, proud, and consumed by suffering. Despite living in extreme poverty, she struggles to maintain her dignity and sense of self-worth. She eventually collapses and dies from illness and the hardships of poverty.
SZ
Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov
Minor
Also known as: Marmeladov
Weak-willed
Self-destructive
Remorseful
Tragic
Sonia's father and a drunken former government clerk whose life has been destroyed by poverty and personal weakness. He is a deeply tragic figure who is aware of his own failings yet unable to overcome them. He symbolizes human weakness, failure, and tragic reality.
PP
Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin
Antagonist
Also known as: Luzhin
Selfish
Hypocritical
Domineering
Greedy
A self-serving lawyer who seeks to marry Dunya not out of love but in order to dominate and control her. He represents the hypocritical and greedy dimensions of society. He symbolizes hypocrisy, selfishness, and social corruption.
AS
Andrei Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov
Minor
Also known as: Lebezyatnikov
Superficial
Naive
Self-important
Ideologically confused
Luzhin's tenant and a self-proclaimed social reformer. His character is used to expose the shallow and often absurd nature of progressive ideological thought in 19th-century Russia. He serves as a satirical commentary on radical reformism of the era.