The Brothers Karamazov · Character

Rakitin

A cynical seminarian who trades in other people's secrets and calls his own opportunism a philosophy of habit.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Rakitin, Even Rakitin

First appearance: A Young Man Bent on a Career

As a supporting figure in The Brothers Karamazov, Rakitin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Divinity student, stands in the corner, known intimately by Alyosha who knows his thoughts.

In the storyThe Old BuffoonOpen this moment free

Rakitin is Alyosha's sometime friend and the town's most fluent gossip, a man who moves between the monastery and the drawing rooms with equal ease. He feeds Kolya ideas about socialism and habit, and he carries messages—and motives—between Katerina Ivanovna, Dmitri, and Madame Hohlakov. His cleverness is real but hollow, and his willingness to use Alyosha's trust for his own advancement makes him a quiet study in the corruption of intelligence without love.

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Character Web

34 connections

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Other

Character groups

Trial and Investigation Core
Minor and Background Characters
Mokroe Episode Participants
Protagonist

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Narrative 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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In the story

Rakitin appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Old Buffoon
Divinity student, stands in the corner, known intimately by Alyosha who knows his thoughts.
A Young Man Bent on a Career
Waits for Alyosha and interprets Zossima's bow to Dmitri as a prophecy of crime, discussing the sensual nature of the Karamazovs and the conflicts among Dmitri, Ivan, and Fyodor Pavlovitch.
The Scandalous Scene
Mentioned as having spied on the dinner preparations and being of an envious temper, though not present at the table.
I: Father Ferapont
Rakitin sends a letter from town via a monk, conveying Madame Hohlakov's account of the 'miracle' and requesting to speak with Father Païssy.
Book VII: Alyosha
Accompanies Alyosha to Grushenka's, attempting to lead him into temptation.
I: The Breath of Corruption
Sent by Madame Hohlakov to observe and report on the events at the hermitage.
II: A Critical Moment
Finds Alyosha in distress, mocks his faith, and persuades him to go to Grushenka's.
An Onion
Brought Alyosha to Grushenka for a bribe of twenty-five roubles and champagne; is snubbed by Grushenka and feels ashamed.
A Sudden Resolution
Mentioned as having visited Grushenka earlier that day with Alyosha.
Precocity
Referenced by Kolya as a source of his ideas about Christ being a revolutionary.
II: The Injured Foot
Had a confrontation with Pyotr Ilyitch over verses, leading to his dismissal from the house.
IV: A Hymn and a Secret
Discussed by Dmitri as a materialist who plans to write an article about the case and who is courting Madame Hohlakov for her money.
II: Dangerous Witnesses
Gives evidence with lofty idealism but is caught out by Fetyukovitch for accepting twenty-five roubles from Grushenka to bring Alyosha to her. His reputation is damaged.
IV: Fortune Smiles on Mitya
Exposed as Grushenka's cousin; his previous testimony against Mitya is undermined.
VII: An Historical Survey
Referenced as the 'talented young man' who characterized Grushenka's background.

Chapter companion notes

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See Rakitin in A Young Man Bent on a Career

See Rakitin in The Old Buffoon