# Dmitri Karamazov — The Brothers Karamazov character guide

> Dmitri Karamazov in The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Mitya, Dmitri Fyodorovitch, Dmitri Fyodorovitch Karamazov, the younger Karamazov

**First appearance:** 0001-the-brothers-karamazov

## Snapshot

The eldest Karamazov, a cashiered officer of violent appetites who arrives in town to claim an inheritance his father has already spent.

## Who they are

Dmitri grew up believing he had property and came of age to discover he had nothing but his father's IOUs and evasions. He is reckless with money, quick to a duel or a debt, and helplessly split between the proud Katerina Ivanovna he once humiliated and the fierce Grushenka his own father is pursuing. His rage at Fyodor Pavlovitch is the engine of the book's central catastrophe, and the prosecutor's portrait of the family — 'the sun in a drop of water' — is written around him.

## Relationships

### [Grushenka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/grushenka)

_romantic_

Dmitri is passionately and obsessively in love with Grushenka, who initially toys with him but eventually reciprocates his devotion.

### [Alyosha Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/alysha_karamazov)

_family_

Alyosha is a compassionate and loyal brother to the impulsive Dmitri, often acting as his moral anchor.

### [Ivan Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/ivan_karamazov)

_family_

Dmitri resents Ivan's intellectual superiority and suspects his role in their father's death, yet they share a fraught brotherly bond.

### [Katerina Ivanovna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/katerina_ivanovna)

_romantic_

Dmitri was once engaged to Katerina but betrayed her for Grushenka, leaving a legacy of guilt, pride, and bitter resentment.

### [Madame Hohlakov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/madame_hohlakov)

_social_

Madame Hohlakov is a gossipy and meddling acquaintance who involves herself in Dmitri's romantic affairs.

### [Fyodor Pavlovitch Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/fyodor_pavlovitch_karamazov)

_family_

Dmitri and his father are bitter rivals over money and Grushenka, culminating in violent hatred and parricide.

### [Alyosha Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/alysha_karamazov)

_family_

Alyosha is a compassionate and loyal brother to the impulsive Dmitri, often acting as his moral anchor.

### [Grushenka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/grushenka)

_romantic_

Dmitri is passionately and obsessively in love with Grushenka, who initially toys with him but eventually reciprocates his devotion.

### [Ivan Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/ivan_karamazov)

_family_

Dmitri resents Ivan's intellectual superiority and suspects his role in their father's death, yet they share a fraught brotherly bond.

### [Alyosha Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/alysha_karamazov)

_family_

Alyosha is a compassionate and loyal brother to the impulsive Dmitri, often acting as his moral anchor.

### [Grushenka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/grushenka)

_romantic_

Dmitri is passionately and obsessively in love with Grushenka, who initially toys with him but eventually reciprocates his devotion.

### [Madame Hohlakov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/madame_hohlakov)

_social_

Madame Hohlakov is a gossipy and meddling acquaintance who involves herself in Dmitri's romantic affairs.

## In the story

### [Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/the-brothers-karamazov)

The eldest son, passionate and impulsive, raised apart from his father.

### [Book I: The History of a Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-book-i-the-history-of-a-family)

The eldest son, raised by Grigory and later by Miusov's cousin, known for his passionate and impulsive nature.

### [Fyodor Pavlovitch Karamazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-i-fyodor-pavlovitch-karamazov)

Fyodor's eldest son, left in his father's care at age three after his mother Adelaïda Ivanovna fled.

### [II: He Gets Rid of His Eldest Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-ii-he-gets-rid-of-his-eldest-son)

The eldest son, abandoned by his father, raised by Grigory and later by relatives, grows up with a false sense of his inheritance.

### [III: The Second Marriage and the Second Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-iii-the-second-marriage-and-the-second-family)

Mentioned as the elder brother from the first marriage, in open quarrel with his father and corresponding with Ivan.

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

Alyosha's half-brother, who speaks of Ivan with deep respect and is involved in a bitter discord with his father; he accepts the challenge to meet at the elder's cell.

### [Book II: An Unfortunate Gathering](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-book-ii-an-unfortunate-gathering)

Arrives late to the gathering, engages in a heated argument with his father, and is eventually restrained.

### [Why Is Such a Man Alive?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-vi-why-is-such-a-man-alive)

Furious at his father's provocations, defends his betrothed's honor, and is stunned when the elder bows before him.

### [A Young Man Bent on a Career](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-vii-a-young-man-bent-on-a-career)

Discussed by Rakitin as a sensualist who has abandoned his betrothed for Grushenka and is in conflict with his father over her.

### [Book III: The Sensualists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-book-iii-the-sensualists)

Consumed by passion for Grushenka and hatred for his father, he is driven to violent confrontations.

### [III: The Confession of a Passionate Heart—In Verse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-iii-the-confession-of-a-passionate-heart-in-verse)

Dmitri is in an exhilarated, confessional mood, reciting Schiller and speaking of his degradation, his love for Alyosha, and his impending crisis.

### [IV: The Confession of a Passionate Heart—In Anecdote](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-confession-of-a-passionate-heart-in-anecdote)

Narrates his past debauchery and the anecdote of his revenge plot against Katerina Ivanovna, revealing his self-perception as a 'noxious insect' and his complex feelings of shame and pride.

### [The Confession of a Passionate Heart—"Heels Up"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-v-the-confession-of-a-passionate-heart-heels-up)

Confesses his theft of Katerina's money, his obsession with Grushenka, and his plan to break the engagement.

### [IX: The Sensualists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-ix-the-sensualists)

Bursts into the house in a fury, attacks Grigory and his father, and leaves after cursing Fyodor Pavlovitch.

### [Both Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-x-both-together)

Discussed indirectly; sends a message to Katerina Ivanovna via Alyosha saying he will never come again.

### [Another Reputation Ruined](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-i-xi-another-reputation-ruined)

Waits for Alyosha at the crossroads, jokes about robbery, then learns of Grushenka's visit to Katerina Ivanovna and reacts with hysterical laughter.

### [At His Father's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-at-his-father-s)

Discussed by Fyodor as the object of his anger and rivalry over Grushenka; Fyodor threatens to crush him like a beetle.

### [V: A Laceration in the Drawing-Room](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-v-a-laceration-in-the-drawing-room)

Referenced as the object of Katerina's conflicted devotion and the rival of Ivan.

### [VII: And in the Open Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-and-in-the-open-air)

Dragged Captain Snegiryov by the beard in the marketplace, then offered a duel; his actions caused Ilusha's trauma.

### [Smerdyakov with a Guitar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-smerdyakov-with-a-guitar)

Dmitri is the subject of Alyosha's search; Smerdyakov reports that Ivan invited him to dine.

### [The Brothers Make Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-the-brothers-make-friends)

Referenced in the context of Ivan's relationship with Katerina Ivanovna and the brothers' concern about the conflict with their father.

### [The Grand Inquisitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-v-the-grand-inquisitor)

Briefly mentioned as Alyosha forgets his resolve to find Dmitri after parting from Ivan.

### [VI: For Awhile a Very Obscure One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-for-awhile-a-very-obscure-one)

Dmitri is discussed by Smerdyakov, who claims Dmitri considers the three thousand as his own and that Grushenka might marry Fyodor Pavlovitch to get the inheritance.

### [II: A Critical Moment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-a-critical-moment)

Briefly remembered by Alyosha but then forgotten in his turmoil.

### [Book VIII: Mitya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-book-viii-mitya)

Desperately seeking money to elope with Grushenka; becomes violent and steals from his father.

### [I: Kuzma Samsonov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-i-kuzma-samsonov)

In a feverish state, desperately seeking money to win Grushenka and start a new life; visits Samsonov for advice.

### [Lyagavy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-lyagavy)

Mitya travels to meet Lyagavy, endures humiliation and physical suffering, and returns to town in despair.

### [Goldmines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-goldmines)

Mitya pawns his pistols, visits Madame Hohlakov to borrow money, and is devastated when she refuses. He then rushes out, crying, and asks an old servant about Grushenka.

### [IV: In the Dark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-in-the-dark)

Sneaks into his father's garden, watches him through the window, struggles with hatred, and retrieves a brass pestle before fleeing.

### [A Sudden Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-v-a-sudden-resolution)

In a frantic state, loads a pistol, writes a self-punishing note, and learns from Fenya that Grushenka has gone to Mokroe to meet her former officer.

### [VI: "I Am Coming, Too!"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-i-am-coming-too)

Speeds to Mokroe in a feverish state, torn between love and self-destruction, determined to see Grushenka and then punish himself.

### [VII: The First and Rightful Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-the-first-and-rightful-lover)

Arrives in a highly emotional state, declaring his love and intention to spend his last night with Grushenka. He oscillates between tears, laughter, and aggressive toasts.

### [Delirium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-delirium)

In a delirious state, torn between guilt over his father's murder and hope for Grushenka's love. He experiences a moment of rapture when Grushenka declares her love for him.

### [Book IX: The Preliminary Investigation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-book-ix-the-preliminary-investigation)

Arrested and interrogated as the prime suspect in his father's murder; gives confused and passionate testimony.

### [I: The Beginning of Perhotin’s Official Career](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-i-the-beginning-of-perhotin-s-official-career)

Discussed as the subject of Perhotin's investigation; reported to have blood on his hands and a large sum of money.

### [The Alarm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-the-alarm)

The prime suspect; believed to have murdered his father and fled to Mokroe.

### [III: The Sufferings of a Soul, the First Ordeal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-the-sufferings-of-a-soul-the-first-ordeal)

Undergoes the first ordeal of interrogation, confessing hatred and desire to kill his father but denying the murder; shows emotional volatility and devotion to Grushenka.

### [IV: The Second Ordeal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-the-second-ordeal)

The accused, being interrogated; he tells his story with a mix of eagerness and exasperation, admitting to taking the pestle but denying premeditation.

### [V: The Third Ordeal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-v-the-third-ordeal)

Mitya is the primary subject of the interrogation, defiantly recounting his actions and refusing to reveal the source of his money.

### [VI: The Prosecutor Catches Mitya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-the-prosecutor-catches-mitya)

Subjected to a degrading search and interrogation; vehemently denies murdering his father and refuses to reveal the source of his money.

### [VII: Mitya's Great Secret. Received with Hisses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-mitya-s-great-secret-received-with-hisses)

Confesses his secret about the fifteen hundred roubles from Katerina Ivanovna, expresses shame and moral anguish over his actions and thoughts.

### [VIII: The Evidence of the Witnesses. The Babe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-the-evidence-of-the-witnesses-the-babe)

The accused, listens gloomily to witness testimony, protests his innocence to Grushenka, and experiences a spiritual awakening after a dream.

### [IX: They Carry Mitya Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-they-carry-mitya-away)

Formally committed as a prisoner; delivers a speech accepting suffering and purification, but maintains his innocence of parricide; bids farewell to Grushenka and is taken away.

### [At Grushenka's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-i-at-grushenka-s)

Mentioned as being in prison, acting cheerfully yet worried, and speaking of a 'babe' and a secret with Ivan.

### [III: A Little Demon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-iii-a-little-demon)

Mentioned as being in prison; Lise sent him sweets.

### [IV: A Hymn and a Secret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-iv-a-hymn-and-a-secret)

In prison, he reveals Ivan's escape plan, asks Alyosha if he believes him guilty, and discusses Rakitin's ideas and his own loss of faith.

### [VII: The Second Visit to Smerdyakov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-vii-the-second-visit-to-smerdyakov)

Dmitri is the subject of the murder accusation; Ivan reads his letter and is momentarily convinced of his guilt, though later doubts resurface.

### [VIII: The Third and Last Interview with Smerdyakov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-viii-the-third-and-last-interview-with-smerdyakov)

Mentioned as the intended scapegoat; Smerdyakov framed him for the murder.

### [X: “It Was He Who Said That”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-x-it-was-he-who-said-that)

Ivan rages that he does not want to save 'the monster' (Dmitri) and wishes him to rot in Siberia. Alyosha prays for Mitya as well.

### [Book XII: A Judicial Error](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-book-xii-a-judicial-error)

The defendant on trial for the murder of his father.

### [I: The Fatal Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-i-the-fatal-day)

The prisoner on trial; pleads guilty to drunkenness and debauchery but not to murder or theft; reacts violently to news of Smerdyakov's death.

### [II: Dangerous Witnesses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-ii-dangerous-witnesses)

Shouts 'Bernard!' at Rakitin during the trial, angered by Rakitin's contemptuous reference to Grushenka.

### [III: The Medical Experts and a Pound of Nuts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-iii-the-medical-experts-and-a-pound-of-nuts)

The prisoner on trial, whose mental state is debated by medical experts; he reacts emotionally to testimony and cheers Doctor Varvinsky.

### [IV: Fortune Smiles on Mitya](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-iv-fortune-smiles-on-mitya)

The defendant; confirms Alyosha's recollection about the money bag and remains silent during Grushenka's testimony.

### [V: A Sudden Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-v-a-sudden-catastrophe)

The defendant; admits writing the drunken letter but claims he loved Katerina even while hating her; reacts with despair.

### [VI: The Prosecutor’s Speech. Sketches of Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-vi-the-prosecutor-s-speech-sketches-of-character)

The prisoner is analyzed as a frantic, weak man who squandered money but claims not to be a thief; the prosecutor argues his behavior contradicts the legend of the little bag.

### [VII: An Historical Survey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-vii-an-historical-survey)

The prisoner; the prosecutor argues his murder of his father was premeditated, citing his drunken letter and his actions.

### [VIII: A Treatise on Smerdyakov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-viii-a-treatise-on-smerdyakov)

The prisoner whose guilt the prosecutor argues for; his drunken letter and actions at the crime scene are cited as evidence against him.

### [IX: The Galloping Troika. The End of the Prosecutor's Speech](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-ix-the-galloping-troika-the-end-of-the-prosecutor-s-speech)

Portrayed as a desperate, conscience-stricken criminal who plans suicide and a final feast after his father's murder.

### [X: The Speech for the Defense. An Argument That Cuts Both Ways](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-x-the-speech-for-the-defense-an-argument-that-cuts-both-ways)

The defendant, whose character and actions are analyzed by the defense.

### [XI: There Was No Money. There Was No Robbery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-xi-there-was-no-money-there-was-no-robbery)

The prisoner whose actions and motives are analyzed by Fetyukovitch, emphasizing his jealousy and despair rather than robbery.

### [XII: And There Was No Murder Either](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-xii-and-there-was-no-murder-either)

The defendant, whose innocence Fetyukovitch passionately argues.

### [XIII: A Corrupter of Thought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-xiii-a-corrupter-of-thought)

The defendant, portrayed as a wild but tenderhearted man wronged by his father.

### [XIV: The Peasants Stand Firm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-xiv-the-peasants-stand-firm)

Speaks weakly and humbly, reiterating his innocence, expressing a desire to reform, and begging for mercy from the jury.

### [I: Plans for Mitya's Escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-i-plans-for-mitya-s-escape)

In prison, asking for Katerina; the escape plan is being arranged for him.

### [For a Moment the Lie Becomes Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/chapters/part-iv-ii-for-a-moment-the-lie-becomes-truth)

Confesses his love for Grusha, discusses his escape plan to America, and engages in an emotional reconciliation with Katya.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters/dmitri_karamazov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_brothers_karamazov_se/characters