Alyosha Karamazov

Grew Up… with religion in his heart. His father, Fyodor Karamazov sent Alyosha and his brother Ivan away after their mother died. And although Ivan soon turned to bitter atheism, Alyosha was drawn to the monastic life – not because he was a religious “fanatic,” but because he viewed it as “the ideal escape for his soul struggling from the darkness of worldly wickedness.”

Living… back in his father’s town. When his oldest brother Dmitri returned to town to ask his father for his inheritance, Alyosha was already living there for a year. Alyosha, at age twenty, is still figuring out his way in life. And although he is drawn toward the cloth, an apprentice to the renowned Elder Zosima, Alyosha is still in a position where his future is unclear and in his hands. Unlike his brothers and father, Alyosha is mostly without sin and wishes his family well, hoping they will end their disputes soon.  

Profession… novice at a monastery and student to Elder Zosima. Unlike Ivan, Alyosha gave up his studies at the gymnasium in order to study religion more closely.

Interests… religion, family, and young children. In addition to trying to mend his fractured family, Alyosha enjoys helping children in need. 

Relationship Status… single. Even if he weren't an aspiring monk, Alyosha doesn't share Dmitri's or their father's desire for women.

Challenge… instigating love in the family of Karamazov. With Ivan apathetic towards his family and Dmitri absolutely furious at their father, Alyosha is the only hope of keeping the family from completely self-destructing.

Personality… pious, meek, and compassionate. Admired by all, Alyosha is described as “the one man in the world whom you might leave alone without a penny, in the center of an unknown town of a million inhabitants, and he would not come to harm...And to shelter him would be no burden, but, on the contrary, would probably be looked on as a pleasure.”