Who is the protagonist of "Crime and Punishment"?

The protagonist of "Crime and Punishment" is Rodion Raskolnikov. He is a former student living in St. Petersburg, who struggles with profound existential questions and moral dilemmas following his decision to commit a violent crime. Raskolnikov’s character grapples with issues of guilt, redemption, and the philosophy of extraordinary individuals, which are central themes in the novel. His internal conflict and psychological turmoil drive the narrative, making him a complex and compelling figure in literary history.

The other characters, while important to the novel's plot and themes, serve different roles. Dmitri Razumihin is Raskolnikov's loyal friend, who represents a more optimistic view of life. Avdotya Raskolnikov is Rodion's sister and a source of moral grounding, while Grigory Petrovich is a servant who interacts with other characters. However, none of them embody the central themes and existential struggle of the story as thoroughly as Raskolnikov does.