The Idiot · Character

Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky

A polished, well-connected officer whose easy manners and dry intelligence make him a plausible suitor for Aglaya and a wary observer of Myshkin.

supporting

Also known as Evgenie Pavlovitch, Evgenie Pavlovitch Radomski, Evgenie, Radomski, the worthy Evgenie

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in The Idiot, Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Arrives in civilian clothes, causing surprise; jokes about retiring from service; engages with Aglaya about the 'poor knight'.

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Evgeny Pavlovich belongs to the same Petersburg world as the Epanchins, moving through it with the assurance of a man who has never had to scramble for position. He is drawn to Aglaya, yet his wit carries an edge of detachment, and he watches the prince's strange candor with a mixture of amusement and unease. As a rival and eventually a kind of friend, he gives the novel a worldly counterweight to Myshkin's unworldliness, testing what the prince's goodness can survive in society.

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See Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky in I

Character Web

27 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters in love triangle
Minor and background characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The narrative climax occurs here because Varvara Ardalionovna’s return home in a state of “considerable mental…

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In the story

Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VII
Arrives in civilian clothes, causing surprise; jokes about retiring from service; engages with Aglaya about the 'poor knight'.
Chapter IX
Attempts to calm Lizabetha Prokofievna and later becomes gay and amiable.
Chapter X
Remains calm and amused, engages Hippolyte in a debate about the right of might, and is later publicly addressed by Nastasya Philipovna from a passing carriage.
Chapter XI
Evgeny is the subject of Nastasia's public insinuations about debts. Prince S defends him, stating he is a man of wealth and integrity.
I
Present during the discussion, questioning the prince's views.
Chapter II
Turns pale upon hearing of his uncle's death and the scandal; later tries to appear lively but is preoccupied.
Chapter IV
Evgenie Pavlovitch watches Hippolyte with annoyance and irritation, questioning why the boy intruded himself upon the prince.
V
Expresses strong opposition to Hippolyte reading his manuscript.
VII
Responds to Hippolyte's reading with condescension and sarcasm; suggests Hippolyte might not shoot himself to spite the audience.
Chapter VIII
Aglaya shows interest in his words from the previous evening, as recounted by Myshkin.
VI
Expected at the Epanchins' party; the prince expresses delight at seeing him.
VII
Merrily talks with Aglaya and Prince N at the start of the chapter.
Chapter IX
Evgeny Pavlovich confronts the prince about his behavior, accusing him of acting on intellectual enthusiasm rather than genuine feeling. He later visits the prince after the Epanchins leave, speaking frankly about the scandal.
XII
Visits the prince regularly at Schneider's, corresponds with Vera Lebedeff and Colia, and shows deep friendship and sympathy.

Chapter companion notes

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See Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky in I

See Evgeny Pavlovich Radomsky in Chapter VII