Character Description Chart
Raskolnikov
Raskolnikov is the main character in Crime and Punishment. He is a former student that lives in St. Petersburg in a one room apartment. He conceives a plan to help others by murdering an old pawnbroker by the name of Alyona Ivanovna. He rationalizes this with his theory of the extraordinary man, who does not have to abide by the laws.
Character Description:
"He was, by the way, exceptionally handsome, above the average in height, slim, well-built, with beautiful dark eyes and dark brown hair."
-Pg. 2
Razumihin
Razumihin is one of Raskolnikovs only friends. He shows extreme kindness to Raskolnikov by takeing care of him while he is ill. He will also take Raskolnikovs place by takeing care of Pulcheria and Dounia while he is in prison.
Character Description:
"He was of striking appearance- tall, thin, black-haired and always badly shaved. He was sometimes uproarious and was reputed to be of great physical strenght." -Pg. 54
Sonia
Sonia is the daughter of Marmeladov. She is forced into prostitution to support herself and her family. Later on, Raskolnikov will end up falling in love with her, right before he goes to prison. Sofia is a major victim in Crime and Punishment who symbolizes peoples suffering all over the world.
Character Description:
"She had a thin, very thin, pale face, rather irregular and angular, with a sharp little nose and chin. She could not have been called pretty, but her blue eyes were so clear, and when they lighted up, there was such a kindliness and simplicity in her expression that one could not help being attracted. Her face, and her whole figure indeed, had another peculiar characteristic. In spite of her eighteen years, she looked almost a little girl- almost a child." -Pg. 239
Dounia
Dounia is Raskolnikovs sister, who tries to sacrifies herself for him by marrying a rich, and posh man by the name of Luzhin. There is no love in this marriage, and eventually she realizes this and calls off the wedding. Dounia, much like Sonia, is another major victim in this novel.
Character Description:
"Avdotya Romanovna was remarkably good looking; she was tall, strikingly well-proportioned, strong and self-reliant... In face she resmbled her brother, but she might be described as really beautiful. Her hair was dark brown, a little lighter than her brother's; there was a proud of light in her almost black eyes and yet at times a look of extraordinary kindness. She was pale, but it was a healthy pallor; her face was radiant with freshness and vigour. Her mouth was rather small; the full red lower lip projected a little as did her chin; it was the only irregularity in her beautiful face, but it gave a peculiarly individual and almost haughty expression." -Pg. 205
Svidrigaylov
Svidrigaylov is a former employer of Dounia. After the mysterious death of his wife, he follows Dounia to St. Petersburg and stalks her. He is a dispicable person who uses every form of trickery to get to Dounia. When he finally confronters her, he realizes that she will never love him, so he commits suicide.
Character Description:
"He was a man of about fifty, rather tall and thickly set, with broad high shoulders which made him look as though he stooped a little... He had a broad, rather pleasant face with high cheekbones and a fresh colour, not often seen in Petersburg. His flaxen hair was still abundant, and only touched here and there with grey, and his thick square beard was even lighter than his hair. His eyes were blue and had a cold and thoughtful look; his lips were crimson. He was a remarkable well preserved man and looked much younger that his years. -Pg. 245