The Idiot: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in The Idiot, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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MuishkinAn impoverished prince returning from medical treatment in Switzerland, he remains ill and depends on others.First seen in chapter 1
Nastasia PhilipovnaA woman who inspires Rogojin’s passion and receives diamond earrings bought with his father’s money.First seen in chapter 1
RogojinMuishkin’s fellow train passenger describes his passion for Nastasia Philipovna and conflict with his father.First seen in chapter 1
LebedeffA train passenger who questions Muishkin about his poverty and connection to Mrs. General Epanchin.First seen in chapter 1
Mrs. General EpanchinA woman whom Muishkin names as a distant family connection during his train journey.First seen in chapter 1
GaniaNamed Gavrila Ardalionovitch, he brings Muishkin into General Epanchin’s study after the prince waits with a servant.First seen in chapter 2
General EpanchinA wealthy, socially ambitious general with a wife, three accomplished daughters, and a household Muishkin visits.First seen in chapter 2
AglayaOne of the Epanchin daughters, she is the focus of her family’s special hopes.First seen in chapter 4
TotskiHe raised the orphaned Nastasia Philipovna and now urges her toward Gania while hoping to marry Alexandra.First seen in chapter 4
Nina AlexandrovnaGania’s mother questions whether her son loves Nastasia Philipovna amid disagreement over his proposed marriage.First seen in chapter 8
General IvolginHe claims friendship with Muishkin’s father and tells doubtful stories that his wife corrects.First seen in chapter 8
HippolyteA visitor who protests Burdovsky’s humiliation, coughs blood, and asks for a farewell conversation.First seen in chapter 25

Chapter 1
Returning from treatment in Switzerland, Muishkin meets Rogojin and Lebedeff on a train approaching Petersburg.
Chapter 2
Muishkin visits General Epanchin’s household and wins a suspicious servant’s sympathy by discussing the mental suffering caused by execution.
Chapter 6
Muishkin recounts how his sympathy for Marie persuades village children to replace cruelty with kindness.
Chapter 7
Aglaya rejects Gania’s attempt to bargain for her encouragement, and Gania lashes out at Muishkin before apologizing.
Chapter 10
Rogojin offers money for Nastasia Philipovna, while Gania strikes Muishkin for protecting Varia.
Chapter 14
Following Muishkin’s advice, Nastasia Philipovna refuses Gania, rejects Totski’s money, and returns General Epanchin’s pearls.
Chapter 16
Nastasia Philipovna rejects Muishkin’s marriage offer, tests Gania with burning money, and leaves with Rogojin.
Chapter 17
Muishkin leaves for Moscow to handle his inheritance and later sends Aglaya a private letter through Colia.
Chapter 20
Muishkin and Rogojin discuss belief, exchange crosses, and become brothers despite Rogojin’s continuing distrust.
Chapter 21
Rogojin confronts Muishkin with something glittering in his raised hand, but an epileptic seizure interrupts the encounter.
Chapter 24
Burdovsky’s supporters publicly demand compensation, and Muishkin offers money while challenging Burdovsky’s claimed parentage.
Chapter 25
Gania disproves Burdovsky’s claimed parentage, and Hippolyte’s bloody coughing softens Mrs. Epanchin’s anger toward the visitors.
Chapter 30
Aglaya defends Muishkin but rejects marriage, while Nastasia Philipovna later strikes an officer during a public confrontation.
Chapter 33
Hippolyte begins reading his written explanation, revealing approaching death and a fierce desire to live.
Chapter 35
Hippolyte attempts to shoot himself, but the pistol lacks a cap, and guests question his sincerity.
Chapter 36
Aglaya privately asks Muishkin to help her leave home and confronts him about another woman.
Chapter 39
Varvara reports Aglaya’s engagement to Muishkin, apparently ending her efforts to secure Aglaya for Gania.
Chapter 42
General Ivolgin rejects Muishkin’s sympathy and later collapses in Colia’s arms with a stroke.
Chapter 43
Aglaya sends Muishkin a hedgehog and draws out a marriage proposal without clearly accepting it.
Chapter 45
At the Epanchins’ gathering, Muishkin delivers heated speeches, breaks a vase, and collapses before the guests.
Chapter 46
Aglaya and Nastasia Philipovna demand that Muishkin choose, and his pity for Nastasia drives Aglaya away.
Chapter 48
Nastasia Philipovna escapes with Rogojin before reaching the church for her wedding to Muishkin.
Chapter 49
Rogojin admits killing Nastasia Philipovna, and Muishkin stays beside him until he understands nothing and recognizes nobody.
Chapter 50
Rogojin receives fifteen years of hard labor, while Muishkin returns to medical care with grave brain damage.
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