The father of the family and the most pivotal figure at the center of the story. A provincial, wealthy, extremely selfish, lustful, and money-hungry, shameless man. He has spent his life in sycophancy, minor intrigues, and with women, and completely abandoned his sons after their mothers died. Despite his old age, he has not calmed down in the slightest; on the contrary, he has turned into someone who seeks financial gain and pleasure from every corner. He is an excellent actor; he intentionally plays the buffoon to provoke reactions in society and mock the seriousness of others, taking pleasure in appearing dishonorable. In reality, he is a pathetic soul, deep down fearful and filled with doubts regarding death and immortality.
While a minor landowner, he eloped with Adelaida Ivanovna from the noble and wealthy Miusov family. He appropriated his wife's dowry, and after his wife ran off with a teacher, he plunged into debauchery. He married his second wife, the 'epileptic' Sofya Ivanovna, for her beauty, but treated her very poorly, causing her to die amidst her hysterical crises. He did not raise his three sons, leaving them in the hands of the servant Grigori.
Approaching sixty, he has a parched face, and small, impudent, restless eyes that gaze constantly with suspicion and lust. He has fine, wrinkled pouches under his eyes and a fleshy, long double-chin under his pointed chin that looks like a money pouch. His lips are thick, his mouth is wide, and his teeth are pitch black and rotting. His smile is slobbery and satanic.
Gruşenka
An obsession for whom he risks everything (even his life) to possess.
İvan Fyodoroviç
A son with a strange soul whom he fears for his sharp intellect but does not love.
Dmitri Fyodoroviç
His greatest enemy, whom he loathes and fears due to women and the inheritance.
Alyoşa Fyodoroviç
The only source of consolation for whom he feels tenderness even in the darkness of his conscience.