He is the elder brother, also born to Fyodor Pavlovich's second wife, the 'epileptic' Sofya, and is the full brother of Alyosha. From childhood, he possessed a sharp intellect and a reserved, sullen disposition. He grew up cognizant of the fact that he was eating the bread of others and was a brilliant student who had to support himself through university. Not content with natural sciences alone, he became famous for writing highly controversial and clever polemical articles on topics such as Ecclesiastical Courts, despite being an atheist. His return to town carries the pretext of mediating between his father and Dmitri, though he is secretly, madly in love with Katerina.
He received an education thanks to the widow of a general and the benevolent Yefim Petrovich, who took him under his wing. He completed high school and university under difficult conditions and earned his living through newspaper articles without waiting for anyone's charity. While gaining a reputation as a well-read atheist, he arrived in his father's town by chance and was drawn into the vortex of events, particularly a strange love triangle with Katerina Ivanovna.
A twenty-four-year-old young man with a well-built physique and a serious gaze. He dresses simply but elegantly and neatly. He usually holds his arms folded, reflecting the self-confidence given by his intelligence in his upright and dignified posture.
Smerdyakov
The dangerous servant with whom he has formed a secret philosophical alliance.
Dmitri Fyodoroviç
The brother whose physical strength and impulsiveness he finds wild, but from whom he wants him to step aside for Katerina.
Katerina İvanovna
The woman he rejects because of his pride but for whom he secretly feels lust/admiration.
Alyoşa Fyodoroviç
The only brother he has trusted and respected since he was little.