Characters in Crime and Punishment

Rodion Raskolnikov

A destitute, brilliant former law student in St. Petersburg who murders a pawnbroker to test his theory that extraordinary men are above the law.

Svidrigailov

A dissolute figure from Dunya's past.

Alyona Ivanovna

A vile, cynical old pawnbroker murdered by Raskolnikov.

Porfiry Petrovich

The perceptive magistrate investigating the murder.

Dunia

Raskolnikov's sister, whose well-being motivates some of his actions.

Sonya Marmeladov

A devout, self-sacrificing young woman who becomes Raskolnikov's moral anchor.

Dunya

Raskolnikov's devoted sister.

Sonia

A deeply religious and humble young woman who has endured great suffering and becomes Raskolnikov's confidante, helping him confront his conscience.

Lizaveta Ivanovna

The pawnbroker's sister, who is also murdered by Raskolnikov.

Sofia Semyonovna Marmeladova

Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova

Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov

Dmitri Prokofich Razumikhin

Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladova

Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin

Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikov

Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov

Andrei Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov

Zossimov

Nastasya Petrovna (“Nastenka,” “Nastasyushka”)

Ilya Petrovich (“Gunpowder”)

Alexander Grigorievich Zamyotov

Nikolai Dementiev (“Mikolka”)

Polina Mikhailovna Marmeladov (“Polya,” “Polenka,” “Polechka”)

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoléon