Although he is bound to Polina Aleksandrovna with sincere love, he knows of her wounded pride and keeps an eye on her from afar. Despite clearly seeing Aleksey İvanoviç’s shortcomings, he is the only person who watches his potential and passion with respect. At the climax of the novel, when Polina is in a moment of crisis, he takes her under his protection. At the very end of the novel, he finds Aleksey—who has turned into a carefree drifter—and tells him the truths, but he extends a helping hand even though he knows Aleksey is beyond saving.
