# Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov — Crime and Punishment character guide > Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Raskolnikov, Rodya, Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov **First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i ## Snapshot A destitute ex-student in stifling Petersburg who theorizes that extraordinary men may transgress, then finds his own conscience the harshest interrogator of all. ## Who they are Raskolnikov haunts the Hay Market in shabby clothes, too proud to work, too poor to eat, feverishly rehearsing a theory that divides humanity into ordinary and extraordinary. His contempt for the pawnbroker Alyona Ivanovna collides with flashes of impulsive tenderness — he gives his last kopecks to strangers, then recoils from his own weakness. His inner war between grandiosity and guilt drives the novel's central descent, making every knock at his door feel like a verdict. ## Relationships ### [Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/sofya_semyonovna_marmeladova) _psychological_ Sonya is Raskolnikov's spiritual confessor and moral compass, guiding him toward redemption through her profound Christian faith and suffering. ### [Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/arkady_ivanovich_svidrigailov) _psychological_ Svidrigailov is Raskolnikov's dark double and manipulator, reflecting the ultimate nihilistic consequences of his theory and tormenting him with his knowledge of the crime. ### [Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/dmitri_prokofych_razumikhin) _friendship_ Razumikhin is Raskolnikov's fiercely loyal and practical friend, offering unwavering support, care, and a model of healthy human connection throughout his crisis. ### [Porfiry Petrovich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/porfiry_petrovich) _psychological_ Porfiry is the cunning and psychologically astute investigator who engages Raskolnikov in a cat-and-mouse game, aiming to provoke a confession through mental torment. ### [Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/avdotya_romanovna_raskolnikova) _family_ Dunya is Raskolnikov's devoted and strong-willed sister, whose love for him is profound but strained by his actions and her own sacrificial intentions. ### [Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/pulcheria_alexandrovna_raskolnikova) _family_ Pulcheria is Raskolnikov's deeply loving and anxious mother, whose blind adoration and worry for him are a source of both comfort and guilt. ### [Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/pyotr_petrovich_luzhin) _rivalry_ Luzhin is Raskolnikov's despised antagonist, representing the petty, calculating egoism that Raskolnikov scorns, leading to immediate and intense mutual hatred. ### [Nastasya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/nastasya) _professional_ Nastasya is Raskolnikov's kind-hearted and gossipy landlady's servant, who provides him with practical care, food, and blunt commentary. ### [Alexander Grigorievich Zamyotov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/alexander_grigorievich_zamyotov) _psychological_ Zamyotov is a police clerk with whom Raskolnikov engages in a tense, semi-confessional psychological game at the tavern, testing his theories and the investigation. ### [Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladova](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/katerina_ivanovna_marmeladova) _social_ Raskolnikov is a sympathetic but distant benefactor to Katerina, witnessing her tragic downfall and offering financial help after her husband's death. ### [Zossimov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/zossimov) _professional_ Zossimov is Raskolnikov's young, curious doctor who treats his physical and mental illness while trying to diagnose the psychological mystery he presents. ### [Andrey Semyonovich Lebezyatnikov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/andrey_semyonovich_lebezyatnikov) _social_ Lebezyatnikov is a fellow former student and caricature of radical ideas, whom Raskolnikov views with contemptuous indifference. ## In the story ### [Crime and Punishment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/crime-and-punishment) The protagonist, introduced in a state of extreme poverty, psychological distress, and intellectual arrogance as he plans the murder. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-i) The protagonist, introduced in a state of extreme psychological tension, poverty, and self-absorption. He is rehearsing a mysterious, terrifying plan, likely related to the pawnbroker. His internal monologue reveals arrogance, self-contempt, and intense fear of social interaction. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-ii) Seeks escape from his mental torment in the company of strangers at a tavern, but his habitual aversion to people surfaces when Marmeladov addresses him directly. He listens to Marmeladov's confession. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-iii) Wakes bilious and irritable; lives in profound squalor and isolation; reveals his obsessive 'work' is thinking; is shaken and tormented by his mother's letter detailing family sacrifices. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-iv) Consumed by bitterness and anger over his sister's planned marriage; resolves to stop it; exhibits intellectual arrogance and protective, tormented love for his family. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-v) In a state of intense psychological agitation and feverish wandering. He debates visiting Razumihin, has a horrific childhood dream, and overhears the fateful conversation about Lizaveta's absence, which he interprets as a definitive sign to proceed with his plan. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-vi) Deeply agitated; recalls the superstitious coincidences that solidified his murder plan, overhears the student's justification for murder, and is shown in a state of extreme psychological and physical tension as he approaches the old woman's door. ### [The Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-i-vii) Executes the planned murder of the pawnbroker, kills Lizaveta unexpectedly, and flees in a state of extreme physical weakness and psychological disintegration. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-i) In a state of extreme psychological and physical torment after the murder; feverish, paranoid, and obsessively trying to hide evidence while convinced his reason is failing. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-ii) Panicked and feverish, he retrieves and hides the stolen goods, experiences a brief moment of relief, then descends into deeper psychological torment and hallucination. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-iii) Awakens from delirium in a state of profound terror and confusion. He is passive, resistant, and exhibits a dull, unreasoning terror, observing events with strained attention. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-iv) Irritable and depressed, lying on his sofa. He reacts sharply to Lizaveta's name, then withdraws, staring obsessively at a pattern on the wall. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-v) Agitated and weak, he reacts with defiant hostility to Luzhin, then demands to be left alone, revealing his psychological torment. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-vi) In a state of intense, focused calm, he wanders the streets with a desperate resolve to end his situation, engaging in strange conversations and observing the city's misery. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-ii-vii) Displays intense, frantic compassion after finding Marmeladov injured, organizing his care and offering money. Later, he is emotionally overwhelmed upon seeing his mother and sister, fainting. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-i) In a state of extreme psychological torment and physical exhaustion; his agitation and 'almost insane' expression alarm his family. He vehemently opposes Dounia's marriage to Luzhin. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-ii) Asleep, described as sleeping 'like a dormouse.' His potential insanity and reaction to the police station incident are discussed by Zossimov and Razumihin. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-iii) Appears physically better but psychologically tormented; interacts with family and friends with a sense of bitter duty, analyzes Luzhin's letter with cold precision, and agrees to attend the tense family meeting. ### [Sonia's Arrival and the Visit to Porfiry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-iv) Deeply conflicted; feels pity for Sonia, is anxious and paranoid about the impending meeting with Porfiry, and forces a facade of good humor. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-v) Visits Porfiry under the pretense of reclaiming his pawned items. Internally anxious and paranoid, he carefully navigates Porfiry's probing questions, fearing he is under suspicion. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iii-vi) Agonizes over Porfiry's psychological tactics, experiences a panic attack over potential evidence, and has a horrific, recurring nightmare of the murder. His psychological torment is acute. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-i) Hosts the unsettling visit from Svidrigaïlov. He is suspicious, disgusted, and intermittently engaged, displaying a mix of morbid curiosity and defensive hostility. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-ii) Deeply agitated and paranoid about Svidrigaïlov; questions if his sighting was an hallucination; remains mostly silent during the meeting but erupts to defend his sister's honor, ordering Luzhin out. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-iii) Appears sullen and indifferent after Luzhin's departure. He relays Svidrigailov's unsettling offer to Dunya and expresses confusion about Svidrigailov's motives. Shares a moment of silent, awful understanding with Razumihin. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-iv) Visits Sonya, scrutinizes her poverty, and cryptically announces he will reveal Lizaveta's murderer to her. ### [The Interview with Porfiry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-v) In a state of extreme psychological tension, oscillating between arrogant defiance and overwhelming fear. He is hyper-analytical of every interaction, convinced Porfiry is toying with him, and struggles to maintain control. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-iv-vi) Present for Nikolay's confession; initially stunned, then regains composure to mock Porfiry. Later analyzes the event, seeing it as a temporary shield but recognizing Porfiry's dangerous psychological game. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-i) Mentioned as the object of Luzhin's hatred and as an expected guest at the funeral dinner, which gives Luzhin an idea. ### [The Funeral Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-ii) His financial contribution for Marmeladov's funeral is the source of the funds for the dinner, though he is not physically present in the chapter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-iii) Witnesses the entire scene silently, his 'glowing eyes' fixed on Sonia during the accusation. Leaves at the end, determined to go to Sonia's lodgings. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-iv) In profound psychological torment; visits Sonia intending to confess the murder, but is paralyzed by fear and self-loathing. He tests her with moral hypotheticals before a moment of near-confession. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-v-v) Consumed by isolation and guilt after Sonia's distress; receives a loving visit from Dounia; wanders aimlessly in a feverish state; encounters Svidrigaïlov. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-i) In a state of mental clouding, oscillating between terror and apathy. Haunted by Svidrigaïlov and his own conscience. Seeks but cannot find solitude, feeling a disturbing presence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-i) Visits Raskolnikov, troubled and annoyed, to confront him directly about the widespread belief that he is mad, stating he wants no secrets but needs to understand. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-ii) Endures Porfiry's visit with disgust, alarm, and confusion. He is tormented by the conversation, unsure if Porfiry believes him innocent or is playing a deeper game, and vehemently denies confessing anything. ### [The Meeting with Svidrigaïlov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-iii) In a state of moral fatigue and despair, he seeks out Svidrigaïlov out of a compulsive, unclear need, fearing for Dunya's safety and contemplating murder as a solution. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-iv) Listens to Svidrigaïlov's confession with growing irritation and suspicion, pressing him on the dark rumors about his past. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-v) Confronts Svidrigaïlov over his designs on Dunya, is taunted about his crime and moral crisis, then leaves in disgust. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-vi) Discussed as having 'two alternatives: a bullet in the brain or Siberia.' His fate is the central concern of Svidrigaïlov's visit to Sonia. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-vii) Visits his family in a state of profound anguish and exhaustion. Confesses the murder to Dounia, speaks of his impending surrender, and grapples with self-loathing and dread of future punishment. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-viii) In a state of extreme psychological agitation, he visits Sonia to take her cross and announce his intention to confess, but his motives are conflicted. He finally confesses to the murders at the police station. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-epilogue) Sentenced to eight years in Siberia; remains in a state of intellectual arrogance and emotional isolation initially; experiences a spiritual crisis and a tentative emotional awakening towards Sonya at the end. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-i) Now a second-class convict in Siberia. He made a full, unembellished confession but could not explain why he hid the stolen goods without using them. He is described as pale, aloof, and seriously ill in the prison hospital. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/part-vi-ii) In prison, tormented by wounded pride and a lack of true repentance. He judges his crime a mere 'blunder' and suffers from existential questions about his right to live and his failure to kill himself. He feels a profound, hostile isolation from the other prisoners. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/endnotes) Mentioned in a note pointing out a potential chronological inconsistency regarding his visit to the police office. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters/rodion_romanovich_raskolnikov - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/crime_and_punishment/characters