Rodion Raskolnikov

About

Rodion Raskolnikov is the protagonist of Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment. His name, derived from the Russian word for "schismatic," reflects his fundamental trait of alienation from society. Raskolnikov is a complex character, embodying contradictions such as generosity and miserliness, humanism and nihilism. He believes himself to be an "extraordinary" individual who can transgress moral laws for the greater good, a belief influenced by his intellectual pride and philosophical ideas. Raskolnikov's internal conflict intensifies after he murders the pawnbroker Alyona Ivanovna and her sister Lizaveta. Despite his initial justification of the crime, he grapples with guilt and mental instability. His relationships with other characters, particularly Sonya, play a crucial role in his moral development. Through his interactions and reflections, Raskolnikov gradually acknowledges his ordinary humanity and the need for redemption, leading him to confess his crime and embark on a path of moral rehabilitation.