Ganya Ivolgin's Ambition and Humiliation

Ganya's attempts to improve his social position through marriage and his subsequent downfall.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Ganya's Plan

Ganya's Plan The Marriage Scheme Ganya hopes to marry Nastasya for her dowry, despite his family's objections. He is torn between his ambition and his pride. The Letter to Aglaya He writes a desperate letter to Aglaya, asking for a sign of hope, but she rejects him.

The Birthday Party Humiliation

The Birthday Party Humiliation The Slap and the Money Nastasya humiliates Ganya by throwing the money into the fire and daring him to retrieve it. He faints from the pressure. Aftermath Ganya later returns the money to Myshkin, showing a spark of honor, but his reputation is ruined.

Final Failure

Final Failure Loss of Position Ganya loses his job and his chance with Aglaya. He becomes bitter and resentful, living with his sister Varya. The General's Death His father's stroke and death add to his misery. Ganya's ambitions are completely crushed.

early in Part I

Nastasya's birthday

later in the novel