Person

Arkady Ivanovitch Svidrigaïlov

Also known as Svidrigaïlov, Arkady Ivanovitch.

The master of the household where Dounia served as governess, introduced through scandal in her mother's letter. He is accused of pursuing Dounia while married to Marfa Petrovna, then helping clear her name after the damage is done. At this horizon he is a dangerous absence, powerful because he is offstage.

Part III, Chapter VI

He appears in Raskolnikov's room and speaks as if he already belongs inside Raskolnikov's secrets.

Part IV, Chapter IV

He lingers in the city with unsettling persistence, making no secret of his fixation on Dounia and unnerving Raskolnikov with how much he seems to guess.

Part V, Chapter V

He provides money for Katerina Ivanovna's children and for Sonia, mixing genuine usefulness with motives no one can trust.

Part VI, Chapter VII

He traps Dounia in his room and offers her escape from her brother's danger at a moral price. After she refuses and shoots at him, he lets her go.

Part VI, Chapter VIII

He spends his last night arranging money, wandering through rain and dreams, and then shoots himself at dawn.

This entry is sealed. You have not yet read far enough to open it.