• Rodion Raskolnikov - A former student, he devises a plan to kill a pawnbroker for her money.
• Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov (Sonia) - Daughter of an alcoholic, who supports her family by prostitution.
• Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova (Dunya) - Raskolnikov's sister, engaged to a wealthy but unscrupulous man.
• Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin - Raskolnikov’s loyal and grounded friend.
• Porfiry Petrovich - The intelligent and perplexing detective investigating the murders.