(349 words) The plot of the novel Crime and Punishment is inextricably linked with his main character, Rodion Raskolnikov: we are watching how he worries about making decisions that determine his future fate. Choosing his path, he communicates with different people. These relationships influence his choice. It is on the characteristics of individual secondary characters that I would like to dwell on.
Almost all the images of the heroes whom F.M. Dostoevsky in the novel brings closer to Rodion Raskolnikov, built on the criteria of a single type - a small person. In domestic literature, the phrase "little man" defines the type of characters who are not able to withstand life disasters and occupy a low rank in the service. They are limited by modest needs and even more modest opportunities. In Crime and Punishment, the author exaggerates the problem of these people, placing them at the very bottom: the heroes spend days in poverty and have no chance to return to a normal lifestyle.
The hero who most vividly reflected the features of a small person, is Semyon Marmeladov. His story can cause the reader both regret and misunderstanding. Although Mr. Marmeladov lives on the verge of poverty, while having a lot of debts, it’s difficult to justify the hero’s problem. A retired official brought himself to this state. Not even intending to seek a way out of this situation, he found solace in alcohol. Ignoring the children and his wife, Marmeladov wasted the last penny on himself and on his vicious desires. The hero complained that no one was waiting for him at home, but it was only his fault.
But F.M. Dostoevsky introduces Marmeladov’s image in his novel not only to impress the reader with his misfortune: in the work, acquaintance with a retired official should reveal positive character traits in Rodion. The story of Semyon Marmeladov about his “drunk” life causes bewilderment of the protagonist. The former student does not understand the actions of the "little man", which once again proves that Raskolnikov’s soul is still alive and capable of rebirth. In addition, the grief of this family pushes Rodion to kill, justifying the sacrifice for the good.
Of course, Semyon Marmeladov is not the only hero of the novel, on whose fate the seal of the "little man" is left. In addition to him, the features of a common image are possessed by Sonia Marmeladova, her stepmother, Razumikhin, Dunya and many others. These heroes have only one main goal - to awaken in Rodion conflicting feelings, which are the psychological engines of the plot.
