Parfen Rogozhin's Descent into Madness

Rogozhin's obsessive love for Nastasya leads to murder and his own destruction.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Meeting Myshkin on the Train

Meeting Myshkin on the Train First Encounter Rogozhin travels to Petersburg after his father's death, inheriting a fortune. He tells Myshkin about his passion for Nastasya, showing his impulsive and violent nature. The Earrings Episode He describes buying diamond earrings for Nastasya, which leads to a confrontation with his father.

The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party Offering the Money Rogozhin arrives with a hundred thousand roubles, offering to buy Nastasya. He is wild with passion and jealousy. Nastasya mocks him but eventually leaves with him. The Beginning of Possession Rogozhin takes Nastasya to Moscow, but she repeatedly runs away from him. His obsession grows.

Murder and Aftermath

Murder and Aftermath The Killing Rogozhin stabs Nastasya in his house after she flees from the wedding. He then hides the body and waits for Myshkin. The Vigil Myshkin finds him, and they spend the night together. Rogozhin suffers brain fever and later is sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor in Siberia.

beginning of the novel

Nastasya's birthday

the night before the wedding