Person

Porfiry Petrovitch

Also known as Porfiry.

The examining magistrate connected with the pawnbroker case, first approached through Razumihin's circle. He is not imposing by rank or costume, but by patience, indirection, and his ability to make conversation feel like a net. His interest in Raskolnikov begins before any formal accusation.

Part III, Chapter V

He questions Raskolnikov about his article on extraordinary men and turns a literary discussion into a test of conscience.

Part IV, Chapter V

His second interview tightens the pressure until Nikolay bursts in with a false confession.

Part VI, Chapter II

He calls on Raskolnikov and drops the cat-and-mouse at last, telling him plainly that he knows who killed the pawnbroker and urging him to confess for his own soul and a lighter sentence.

Part VI, Chapter IV

He visits Raskolnikov privately, says plainly that he knows, and urges him to confess for the sake of suffering and life.

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