Resurrection · Character
Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff
A wealthy prince whose comfortable conscience cracks when a face from his past appears in the jury box, forcing him to weigh atonement against self-interest.
major
Also known as Nekhludoff, Dmitri Ivanovich, Prince Nekhludoff
First appearance: I
As a major figure in Resurrection, Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Awakens in Moscow, tormented by memories of seducing Katúsha, and resolves to seek her out after learning of her trial.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Nekhludoff moves easily through drawing rooms, courts, and prisons alike, a nobleman whose charm and rank open every door. Yet the trial of a woman he once seduced and abandoned splits him in two: the man who wants to…
Nekhludoff moves easily through drawing rooms, courts, and prisons alike, a nobleman whose charm and rank open every door. Yet the trial of a woman he once seduced and abandoned splits him in two: the man who wants to do good and the voice whispering that she will only be a stone around his neck. His wavering resolve—whether to give her money and walk away or follow her into suffering—is the hinge on which the whole novel turns.
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff in ICharacter Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Protagonist
- Society and Military Figures
- Family and Authority Figures
- Supporting Cast and Prisoners
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it forces Nekhlúdoff to confront the central moral crisis of the nov…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff appears across 120 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Resurrection
Awakens in Moscow, tormented by memories of seducing Katúsha, and resolves to seek her out after learning of her trial.
Book I
Awakens in Moscow and recalls his seduction of Katusha, beginning his moral awakening.
II
The nephew of the maiden ladies who seduced Katúsha when she was sixteen, giving her a hundred rouble note before leaving.
III
Awakens in his apartment, reads letters, and reflects on his past and present moral conflicts.
IV
Nekhlúdoff is the central character in this chapter, grappling with his artistic doubts, his indecision about marrying Missy, and his preparations to attend court.
V
Arrives late at the courthouse, feels superior to the other jurymen, and is annoyed by Peter Gerasimovitch's familiarity.
VII
Present as a juryman; responds to his name being called by the usher.
VIII
Among the jurymen drawn by lot, he participates in the swearing-in and selection of the foreman.
IX
Sits in the front row, watches the trial, and recognizes Maslova as Katusha, the girl he seduced and abandoned; experiences a fierce internal struggle.
The Trial Begins: The Indictment and Pleas
Present as a juror; fears Maslova has recognized him and feels the blood rush to his face.
XII
Recalls his first summer with his aunts, his youthful idealism, and his innocent attraction to Katúsha.
Chapter XIII
Undergoes a moral transformation from an honest, unselfish youth to a depraved, selfish officer, having ceased to believe in himself and adopted the values of his aristocratic and military peers.
XIV
Arrives at his aunts' estate, feels joy at seeing Katúsha, and struggles between his spiritual and animal selves.
Chapter XV
Recalls the Easter mass and his pure love for Katúsha, reflecting on how everything changed after that night.
XVI
Struggles with his animal passions, overriding his spiritual love for Katúsha; he pursues her despite her resistance.
The Seduction
Observes Katúsha from outside, knocks at her window, and later seduces her, rationalizing his actions afterward.
XVIII
Reflects on his past seduction of Katúsha and his attempts to forget his guilt.
XIX
Sits in the jurymen's room, tormented by guilt and self-disgust; he fears Máslova has recognized him and feels a loathing mixed with pity.
Chapter XX
Sits in the jury box, feeling disgust and a sense of connection between the corpse, Katusha's life, and his own actions.
XXI
Hears Máslova's sobs and struggles to suppress his own tears, fearing public disgrace.
XXII
Serves on the jury, observes Máslova, and experiences a moral awakening as he recognizes her and confronts his past.
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff is present during the jury's deliberations, too excited and conflicted to notice the omission in the verdict that condemns Máslova to Siberia.
The Sentence
Horrified by the verdict, he pursues the president to argue for a correction, realizing his own omission in the jury's answer.
XXV
Seeks advocate Fanárin to appeal Máslova's sentence; feels conflicted but calmer after taking action.
XXVI
Feels repulsed by the Korchágins' luxury and Missy's affected manner; preoccupied with Máslova's trial.
Chapter XXVII
Feels like a horse being harnessed; finds the social atmosphere oppressive and false.
XXVIII
Experiences a spiritual awakening, resolves to confess his sins and change his life.
XXXIII
Resolves to confess his sin to Máslova, marry her if necessary, and reform his life; dismisses his servants and plans to give up his house.
Chapter XXXIV
Serves as a juror, reflects on the injustice of the legal system and his own moral guilt.
XXXV
Confronts the Procureur, declares his intention to marry Máslova, and refuses to continue as a juror.
XXXVI
Visits two prisons seeking an interview with Máslova; writes a diary entry confessing his sin and resolving to atone.
XXXVII
Appears in Máslova's memory as the man who seduced and abandoned her; seen laughing in a first-class carriage.
XXXIX
Observes the prison church service, reflecting on its emptiness and hypocrisy.
XLI
Visits the prison to see Máslova, experiences moral revulsion at the prison conditions.
XLII
Nekhlúdoff approaches the officer with strained politeness, asks to see Máslova, and is led to the women's interviewing room.
XLIII
Nekhlúdoff confesses his sin to Máslova, asks for forgiveness, and offers to help. He struggles with inner temptation but resolves to continue his moral awakening.
XLIV
Horrified by Máslova's transformation, he resolves to tell her he will marry her.
XLV
Visits Fanárin to discuss Máslova's appeal; considers simplifying his life but postpones changes.
XLVII
Arrives at the prison with the petition, observes the inspector's agitation, and guides Máslova through signing.
XLVIII
Visits Máslova in prison, declares his intention to marry her, and is harshly rejected.
XLIX
Leaves the prison with a full understanding of his crime; receives a note from Véra Doúkhova; recalls his past hunting trip and his earlier encounter with Doúkhova.
L
Visits Máslennikoff to secure prison visitation permissions for Máslova and Vera Doukhova, and remains firm in his resolve despite fear.
LI
Visits the prison, inquires about Máslova, and arranges to see Doúkhova and the Menshóffs.
LII
Visits the prison cells, listens to Menshóff's story, and promises to help.
LIII
Walks through the prison corridor, feels sympathy and horror at the prisoners' plight, and learns about innocent men being held and corporal punishment still in use.
LIV
Visits the prison office and observes the scene with curiosity and compassion.
LV
Visits Véra Doúkhova in prison and listens to her revolutionary story and requests.
LVI
Witnesses the prison farewells, experiences moral nausea, and is reminded of the injustice of the system.
LVII
Seeks the advocate's help for the Menshóffs and the 130 imprisoned men, then visits Máslennikoff to request Máslova's transfer and the release of the innocent men.
LVIII
Visits Máslennikoff to advocate for Máslova's hospital transfer and to report the unjust detention of 130 prisoners; leaves in disgust after encountering social hypocrisy.
LIX
Visits Máslova again, reaffirms his offer of marriage, and plans to go to Petersburg to appeal the case.
Book II
Travels to his aunts' estate, decides to give land to peasants, and reflects on his past with Katúsha.
I
Travels to Kousmínski to settle estate matters; decides to let land to peasants; wrestles with inner conflict about his motives.
II
Awakens with resolve to give land to peasants; feels ashamed and dissatisfied after the meeting.
III
Arrives at Panóvo, reflects on his youth and his memories of Katúsha, and plans to address the peasants about land reform.
IV
Walks through the village, observes peasant life, and visits a peasant's hut.
V
Visits Matróna to inquire about Katúsha's baby and learns of its death; walks with village boys and observes the poverty caused by his own estate's policies.
VI
Observes the peasants' suffering, gives away money, resolves to give up his land to the peasants, and writes down his project.
VII
Attempts to persuade the peasants to accept his land reform proposal, but is met with suspicion and refusal.
VIII
Experiences a moral awakening, resolves to help Katúsha and to study the justice system, feels joy in serving others.
The Land Conference
Explains Henry George's land tax to the peasants, offers to give away his land, and feels joy at shedding property.
Nekhlúdoff's Return to Town
Returns to town, deeply affected by the poverty of the peasants; decides to move to a modest lodging near the prison; reflects on his past life after meeting Schönbock.
XI
Visits the advocate to discuss prison cases and reflects on the difference between his views and those of the advocate's circle.
XII
Rides to the prison, reflects on the uselessness of the palace and the exploitation of peasants, questions the cab driver about land and migration.
XIII
Visits Máslova in the hospital, gives her a photograph, and announces his plan to appeal her case in Petersburg.
XIV
Arrives in Petersburg with four legal and humanitarian matters to pursue; stays with his aunt and confides in her about Máslova and his moral awakening.
XV
Visits Mariette and Count Iván Micháelovitch to request help for prisoners, feeling conflicted about seeking favors in aristocratic circles.
Chapter XVI
Visits the Senate and Senator Wolff to advance Máslova's case; reflects on the corrupting influence of high society.
XVII
Dines with the Countess and family, reflects on the injustice of the duel case, and leaves the sermon in disgust.
Chapter XVIII
Visits Baron Vorobióff to petition for Theodosia Birukoff and discusses Máslova's case with the advocate.
XIX
Visits the General to request interviews and books for prisoners, feels repugnance and pity.
The Senate Hearing
Attends the Senate hearing for Máslova's case, observes the proceedings, and recognizes Selenín.
XXI
Present in the Senate, hoping for the repeal of Máslova's sentence.
XXII
Horrified by the Senate's rejection of Máslova's appeal; confronts Selenín about the injustice.
Chapter XXIII
Nekhlúdoff reunites with his old friend Selenin, and his presence serves as a reminder of Selenin's former, more truthful self.
XXIV
Feels sad and confused after the Senate's rejection; visits his aunt and interacts with Mariette.
XXV
Awakens with guilt over his evil thoughts, reaffirms his resolve, and visits Shoústova in Petersburg.
XXVI
Engages in conversation with the aunt about prison conditions, accepts a letter to deliver to Véra Doúkhova.
XXVII
Visits Bogotyréff and Toporóff to advocate for the sectarians; reflects on the corruption and hypocrisy of the legal and religious systems.
XXVIII
Attends the theatre, struggles with temptation and moral clarity, reflects on the corruption of society.
Chapter XXIX
Visits the prison to inform Máslova of the Senate's decision; struggles with feelings of wounded pride and pity; ultimately reaffirms his commitment to follow her.
Nekhlúdoff's Classification of Prisoners and His Search for Justice
Reflects on the classification of prisoners and his own moral awakening; organizes his affairs into three portfolios and studies criminology.
XXXI
The protagonist, whose actions and intentions are discussed by his sister and brother-in-law.
XXXII
Defends his plan to marry Máslova and argues with Rogózhinsky about justice and land reform.
XXXIII
Engages in a heated debate with his brother-in-law about the justice system, feeling remorse afterward for wounding his sister.
Chapter XXXIV
Reads his diary, reflects on his inner change and pain regarding Máslova, and rushes to the prison to witness the departure of the prisoners.
XXXV
Follows the procession in a trap, tries to approach Máslova but is stopped by the sergeant, observes the crowd's reactions.
XXXVI
Follows the convicts in the heat, stops for a drink, attempts to write to Nathalie, and intervenes when a convict collapses.
XXXVII
Follows the bodies of two dead convicts to the police station hospital, questioning the doctor about the cause of death.
Chapter XXXVIII
Visits the prisoners at the station, speaks with Máslova, and attempts to assist a woman in labor and Tarás.
Chapter XXXIX
Nekhlúdoff is at the station, exhausted and troubled by the morning's events. He speaks with his sister about the deaths of the convicts and his plans to follow Máslova.
XL
Reflects on the deaths of convicts and the nature of officialdom, concluding that love is essential in human relations.
XLI
Travels in the third-class carriage, listens to Tarás's story, and observes the other passengers.
XLII
Observes the Korchágins at the station, invites workmen into his carriage, and listens to their stories.
Book III
Continues his journey with the prisoners, seeking redemption and justice for Máslova.
IV
Nekhlúdoff's magnanimity and past are contrasted with Símonson's love for Máslova as she is now.
V
Experiences a profound emotional shift, feeling permanent pity and tenderness for Máslova and everyone he meets; re-evaluates his views on political prisoners.
VI
Listens to Kryltzóff's story and gains a deeper understanding of revolutionary motivations.
VII
Arrives at the halting station seeking an interview with Katúsha, after being denied permission at previous stations.
VIII
Visits the halting station to see Máslova; speaks seriously and attentively to the convoy officer, trying to encourage compassion for prisoners.
IX
Enters the prison courtyard and building, experiencing moral nausea and shame as he passes through the crowded, foul-smelling corridors.
Chapter X
Nekhlúdoff is approached by Makár Dévkin and learns of the identity swap; he already knows about the scheme and promises to help.
XI
Visits the political prisoners' quarters, interacts with various prisoners, and feels a mix of kindness and depression due to Novódvoroff's irony.
XII
Present during the arrival of Nabátoff and Kondrátieff; greeted by them, though Kondrátieff is reluctant to shake his hand.
XIII
Present in the group, talking with Kryltzóff as the others gather for tea.
XIV
Sits with Kryltzóff, tells the story of Makár's crime, and asks Máslova for her opinion.
XV
Reflects on Novódvoroff's character and feels antipathy towards him despite his own goodwill.
Chapter XVI
Listens to Simonson's proposal and supports Maslova's freedom to choose; also agrees to report a prisoner exchange.
Chapter XVII
Confronts his feelings about Simonson's proposal and speaks with Maslova about her decision.
Chapter XVIII
Returns to the men's room after visiting Máslova, listens to the political prisoners' discussion, and later leaves through the crowded criminal quarters.
XIX
Nekhlúdoff is deeply troubled by the prison conditions and systemic injustice, reflecting on the depravity and violence he has witnessed.
Chapter XX
Receives Mary Pávlovna's note, hurries to overtake the gang, speaks with Kryltzóff and Mary Pávlovna, then rides ahead.
XXI
Stands on the raft, reflecting on Kryltzóff and Katúsha, then engages in a philosophical conversation with the old man.
XXII
Visits the Governor General to advocate for Máslova and a political prisoner's marriage.
Chapter XXIII
Receives the mitigation of Máslova's sentence and tries to visit the prison.
XXIV
Visits the Governor's office, writes letters, attends the General's dinner party, and prepares to visit the prison with the Englishman.
XXV
Visits the prison with the Englishman, interprets for him, and has an emotional interview with Máslova.
XXVI
Accompanies the Englishman through the prison cells, interpreting and observing the squalid conditions.
Chapter XXVII
Visits the prison cells, recognizes the old man from the ferry, and later identifies Kryltzóff's body in the mortuary.
XXVIII
Nekhlúdoff reads the Gospel, interprets the Sermon on the Mount as practical laws, and experiences a spiritual transformation, deciding to live by these commandments.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff unlock in the free preview.
See Prince Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhludoff in I