CONFLICT

Protagonist

Prince Myshkin is the protagonist of the novel as the story revolves around him. He returns from Switzerland and travels to St. Petersburg to meet people and experience life. In the process, he gets lured by the charm of a fallen woman and decides to protect her interests.

Antagonist

On one level, Prince Myshkin is his own antagonist. His generous heart, trusting nature and kindness induce him to help even those who exploit him. He loves Aglaya and wants to marry her but his heart goes out to Nastasya. By sacrificing his love to save Nastasya, he ruins his life.

On another level, Rogozin is his antagonist. He takes away Nastasya from Myshkin and later, tries to kill him. He is responsible for disturbing the life of the Prince.

Climax

Aglaya takes the Prince to meet Nastasya to assert her right over him. As soon as she sets her eyes on Nastasya, she accuses the other woman of being scheming, selfish and disgraceful. Nastasya gets provoked and stops Prince from following Aglaya. She also throws out Rogozin.

The Prince is doomed. Nastasya fears marrying him. Thus, on the day of her marriage, she runs away with Rogozin. The Prince is humiliated and left helpless. Both Aglaya and Nastasya reject him. After Rogozin kills Nastasya, the Prince is shattered. He relapses to insanity.

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