The Brothers Karamazov · Character
Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya
A mute holy fool and mother of Smerdyakov.
minor
Also known as Lizaveta, Stinking Lizaveta, stinking Lizaveta
First appearance: Lizaveta
Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya shows up with force in In the Servants' Quarters. The page is where that presence becomes real.
The idiot girl who gives birth to Smerdyakov in the bathhouse; her groans are heard by Grigory, and she is found dying with the newborn.
Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya first appears in 0019 part i ii lizaveta.
In In the Servants' Quarters: The idiot girl who gives birth to Smerdyakov in the bathhouse; her groans are heard by Grigory, and she is found dying with the newborn.
Later, in Lizaveta: A holy idiot of the town, described as dwarfish, with a blank idiocy and meek expression. She wanders barefoot, sleeps in dirt, and is known for her innocence and piety. She is the mother of Smerdyakov, conceived after being assaulted by Fyodor Pavlovitch.
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Character Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Minor and Background Characters
- Trial and Investigation Core
+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 centers on Katerina Ivanovna’s hysterical, guilt-ridden declarati…
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Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Lizaveta Smerdyastchaya in Lizaveta