The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants

In this novel, we see Dostoevsky’s two quintessential character types that appear in nearly all of his works: the meek man and the fierce man. Although the novel takes on a humorous tone, its characters are clearly divided along these two traits. Colonel Rostanev is a lovable figure who endures even mistreatment; thus, he willingly submits to his mother’s will and is even prepared to reluctantly marry a wealthy girl he does not love.