Kyrilo Razumov
One of the main characters of this novel that switches character points of view between parts, Razumov is a student at the acclaimed University of St. Petersburg. Hardworking and dedicated to graduating to pursue his dream job, Razumov does not know his parents, and considers everyone around him to be his family. Although he tries to seem like he is happy with this tactic of making everyone seem appreciated, deep down he is saddened by this and has only his achievements to gain him respect in the real world. A kind and caring character, a reader cannot help but feel sorry for Razumov, who works so hard yet nothing turns out his way.
Victor Haldin
In the same class as Razumov at the University of St. Petersburg, Victor kills one of his professors, Mr. P, as well as several people regarding the scene. Victor has a sister who is proud of him, but she does not know that this event happened. Victor has some high hopes for his life and has no idea that what he is doing is wrong and will lead to trouble, yet he confided in Razumov for help. Razumov gets caught in a dilemma of wondering whether or not to help Victor and become his friend (after all, he isn't close to anyone) or to turn him into the authorities.
Peter Ivanovitch
Peter is a sports player, very famous in his home country of Russia, where he has a girlfriend. However, at one point in his life, Peter was sent to prison in Russia, and only got out with the help of a woman, which led to his high respect shown throughout the novel for women. However, when his girlfriend dies later in the novel and he marries a peasant women, people become disappointed with his skills and start to forget about him.
Tekla
Tekla is a daughter of a clerk in the Finance Ministry, and a former friend of Peter. Although Peter announced his love of all women to the country of Russia, Tekla was frequently abused by Peter, and escaped from him before she was harmed. Her family is very poor, and we see her attempts throughout the novel to feed them by whatever means necessary, leading to a sympathetic view of unsympathetic tactics.
