The illegitimate son of Lizaveta Smerdyashchaya, the town madwoman. There are very strong rumors that he is Fyodor Pavlovich's son; in fact, Fyodor kept him close, ensuring he became the cook in the house rather than providing him with an education. Since his youth, he has had a sadistic and arrogant nature, loving no one, quiet, and taking pleasure in torturing animals. Despite being raised with mercy by the servant Grigori and his wife Marfa, he treats them only with hatred. He is a sickly (he has epilepsy) but mentally cunning and deeply corrupted type.
The madwoman Lizaveta, known for her frantic piety and wildness, gave birth to him in the bathhouse while dying and left him behind; he was raised in the house as an adopted son by the servant Grigori. He enjoyed hanging cats as a child and never forgot the beatings he received from his teacher for it. He went to cooking school in Moscow and returned like a dandy.
Twenty-four years old, his face is much more wrinkled and sallow than his age. He has an ugly facial expression resembling old eunuchs (Skopets). He takes great care of himself; he walks around doused in perfume and pomade, wearing an elegant frock coat and well-polished English boots.
Grigori
The devout man he hates despite him being his caregiver and teacher, whom he tries to disgrace on religious matters at every opportunity.
Fyodor Pavloviç
The old master whom he finds despicable, yet who relies on him for money in the safe, kitchen affairs, and all his secrets, and is known to actually be his father.
İvan Fyodoroviç
The mind he attempts to prove himself to and be validated by with his philosophical wit, and whom he secretly considers his master.