For a time, he was overly influenced by Bazarov's dogma and attempted to define himself as a nihilist. Although he tried to overcome the shy, old-fashioned ways of his father, deliberately be ashamed of his affections, and manage life according to nihilist rules rather than analyzing it, he can never hide his timid, compassionate, good, and romantic heart. This naive character, who initially leaned toward Odintsova, eventually comes to accept his own identity, falls in love with Odintsova's sister Katya, and parts ways with his nihilist master by heading toward an entirely opposite life.
