Myshkin's struggle between his romantic love for Aglaya and his compassionate pity for Nastasya.
increasingBearing strength in each eventdecreasing
Meeting Nastasya
Meeting Nastasya
First Sight
Myshkin sees Nastasya's portrait and feels a deep pity for her. He decides to help her.
The Birthday Party
He proposes to her out of pity, not love, which confuses his feelings.
Love for Aglaya
Love for Aglaya
Growing Affection
Myshkin falls in love with Aglaya. He is torn between his pity for Nastasya and his love for Aglaya.
The Green Bench Meetings
He meets Aglaya secretly, but cannot abandon Nastasya.
The Choice
The Choice
Aglaya vs. Nastasya
When forced to choose, Myshkin's pity for Nastasya overrides his love for Aglaya. He stays with Nastasya, leading to disaster.
Aftermath
He loses both women and his sanity.
