# Lizaveta Ivanovna — Crime and Punishment character guide

> Lizaveta Ivanovna in Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Lizaveta, Poor Lizaveta

**First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i

## Who they are

The pawnbroker's meek, simple-minded, and kind-hearted half-sister, who becomes an unintended victim of Raskolnikov's crime.

## In the story

### [Crime and Punishment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/crime-and-punishment)

The pawnbroker's meek and exploited half-sister, whose presence and schedule Raskolnikov notes during his visit.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-v)

Appears in the Hay Market, speaking with a huckster and his wife. She is hesitant but agrees to visit them the next day at seven o'clock, a conversation Raskolnikov overhears, revealing she will be away from her sister's apartment.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-vi)

Her tragic life is detailed: she is the old woman's half-sister, kept in bondage, beaten, and exploited. Her gentle nature and perpetual pregnancy are noted, making her a symbol of innocent suffering.

### [The Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-vii)

Returns to the apartment unexpectedly and is immediately killed by Raskolnikov with the same axe.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-i)

Implied through the reference to the 'pool' of blood Raskolnikov stepped in, which is likely hers.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-iv)

Mentioned by Nastasya as having been murdered alongside Alena Ivanovna. Her name triggers a visible reaction from Raskolnikov.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-vi)

Mentioned indirectly as Raskolnikov recognizes the corner where the huckster and his wife had talked with her.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-iv)

Mentioned as the murder victim; her death is the central secret Raskolnikov promises to reveal.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-vi)

Named by Nikolay as one of his victims in his false confession.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-iii)

Not present, but her murder is the root cause of Sonia's suffering and the stolen goods in Raskolnikov's possession.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-iv)

Her murder is the central subject Raskolnikov feels compelled to confess. Sonia mentions having Lizaveta's cross, symbolizing their shared suffering and Raskolnikov's guilt.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-v)

Is informed of Katerina Ivanovna's madness by Lebeziatnikov and rushes out to help, showing her compassionate nature.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-i)

Deep in mourning, praying timidly at the requiem. Her silent, comforting gesture of leaning on Raskolnikov's shoulder bewilders him with its lack of disgust.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-vi)

Receives a visit from Svidrigaïlov, who gives her money for her family and for Raskolnikov's needs. She is left in a state of terror and vague apprehension.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-viii)

Mentioned as Raskolnikov recalls the copper cross that belonged to her, linking his crime directly to this moment of confession.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-i)

Her murder is referenced as a point used in the trial to argue for Raskolnikov's 'abnormal mental condition' at the time of the crime.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-ii)

Referenced as the object of Raskolnikov's shame and later, his hope. The prisoners hold her in deep affection and respect. Raskolnikov realizes his love for her and her potential role in his renewal, symbolized by her New Testament under his pillow.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/lizaveta_ivanovna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters