The Idiot · Character

Hippolyte Terentyev

A consumptive young nihilist who knows he is dying and cannot decide whether to rage against the world or beg it for one last look of recognition.

supporting

Also known as Hippolyte, Hippolyte Terentieff, Mr. Hippolyte, this young Hippolyte, V Hippolyte, Here Hippolyte, And Hippolyte, Terentieff, Alexandrovna—helps Hippolyte

First appearance: part i iii

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

Mentioned as being ill in bed at Madame Terentieff's; Colia keeps him company.

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Hippolyte arrives among Myshkin's circle as a proud, terminally ill teenager, armed with radical ideas and a manuscript confession he is determined to read aloud. His bitterness at his own fading body collides with a desperate hunger for love and attention, making his long outbursts both unbearable and pitiable. He forces the novel's comfortable characters to confront death, sincerity, and the question of what a life is worth when it is nearly over.

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See Hippolyte Terentyev in part i iii

Character Web

34 connections

A slice of how Hippolyte Terentyev sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

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 Exposition.

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

Hippolyte Terentyev appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XII
Mentioned as being ill in bed at Madame Terentieff's; Colia keeps him company.
Chapter VIII
Trembles with rage at the general's insulting remark about the author.
Chapter IX
Calmly defends himself, speaks of his impending death, and asks to spend the evening with the company.
Chapter X
In a feverish, agitated state, he delivers bitter accusations against the company, mocking their concern for appearances and defending Burdovsky's love for his mother.
Chapter IV
Hippolyte is fast asleep on the sofa, drawing Evgenie Pavlovitch's hostile attention.
V
Reveals his terminal illness, recounts a nightmare, and prepares to read his manuscript.
Chapter VI
Narrates his experiences, including his visit to the poor medical man and his encounter with Rogojin's painting.
VII
Reads his 'Explanation' manuscript announcing his intention to commit suicide at sunrise; becomes agitated and defiant when mocked by the guests.
Chapter VIII
His failed suicide attempt is recounted; Aglaya suspects he did it for her attention.
IX
Asleep after his dramatic night; Colia speaks of his philosophical ideas and strength of will.
I
Mentioned as a gossip who may have told Nina Alexandrovna about the general's theft; enters with the group.
II
Confronts Gania, accusing him of being the incarnation of commonplaceness, and reveals his hatred for him.
III
Mentioned as having quarreled with the general and as a possible source of information about the general's actions.
Chapter V
Engages in a deep, emotional conversation with the prince about his confession, death, and the historical figures Gleboff and Osterman, revealing his sensitivity and pride.
Chapter IX
Hippolyte tells the prince the story about Gania and the candle, and declares that he thinks the prince is out of his mind.
Chapter X
Sarcastic and malicious about the wedding; warns the prince to beware of Rogojin and suggests Rogojin might murder Aglaya.
XII
Died in great agitation about a fortnight after Nastasia Philipovna's death.

Chapter companion notes

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See Hippolyte Terentyev in part i iii

See Hippolyte Terentyev in XII