The House of the Dead

Main Characters and Their Development

• Alexander Petrovich Goryanchikov - the main character and narrator, a former nobleman convicted of murdering his wife. Throughout the narrative, he undergoes profound internal changes, recognizing his mistakes and coming to terms with human nature.
• Akim Akimych - one of the prisoners, a former officer convicted of murder. He is characterized by his discipline and meticulousness, which help him survive in the penal colony.
• Petro - a young convict sentenced for participating in a peasant uprising. His character symbolizes hope and the yearning for freedom despite the harsh conditions of imprisonment.
• Sushilov - a prisoner suffering from a mental disorder. His story illustrates how the harsh conditions of the penal colony can break a person.
• Shishkov - a prisoner who killed his wife out of jealousy. His story reveals themes of human weakness and the destructive consequences of passion.