Cindy
asked:
I gave up on this book awhile ago because I disliked every single character and didn't care to find out what happened to them. I'm thinking about going back to it now because I don't like unfinished books. Will someone tell me if any likable characters show up? I'm not very far in and will probably have to start over (gah), but I need someone to like in this book.
To answer questions about
The Brothers Karamazov,
please sign up.
Brendan Caulfield
I think you're coming at it the wrong way. This isn't meant to be light reading; It's heavy-duty philosophy cloaked as a novel.
Each character is a personification of an argument that duke it out in various ways throughout the book.
I found it to be one of the most pure insights into the human condition that I have ever read (besides Dostoyevsky's other books...) You might appreciate it more if you approach it in that light.
It also might not be what you're interested in which is fine too.
Each character is a personification of an argument that duke it out in various ways throughout the book.
I found it to be one of the most pure insights into the human condition that I have ever read (besides Dostoyevsky's other books...) You might appreciate it more if you approach it in that light.
It also might not be what you're interested in which is fine too.
Kyle Beaudet
In the beginning Dostoevsky is showcasing all of the flaws of the characters, and intentionally makes them all fairly unlikable, except for Alyosha whom is described as being like a cherub. Though by the end of the novel do not be surprised if you are finding pieces of yourself in each and every character.
Nick
You didn't find the protagonist Aloysha likeable?
Stephanie
No, you will not find a likeable character. Abandon hope all ye who enter here.
Mina Yazdanbin
Honestly, you didn't find Alexey lovable? That's really something. Also, you have missed a very intriguing character like Ivan in my opinion, so it's you who could not relate to this book. Also, the concepts of this book themselves are very intriguing. Sorry for saying this but if loving a character is the only motive you have reading a book, give on this book. This book definitely isn't for someone like you.
Sam
How can one dislike Alyosha
Christoph Covax
Like you, I disliked every single character but I did find out what happened to them. Basically nothing. All these melodramas, the hysterics of all the female characters, the ever-burning passion of the fool Dimitri, the suffocating monks, the vomit-inducing Ilyuschka part... could go on and on. I'm sure there is a very deep meaning in all these repulsive characters or maybe not. Weird because I really liked Crime and Punishment. Try that rather.
Ioana Stoica
No, no likable characters in this book. But some less likable characters may add to the rest of the unlikable characters. It is not a fairy tale.
R.C.
Well, I personally liked Alyosha to death and found myself to be very fond of Dmitri. I liked Ivan a bit less at first but the more I read and the more I liked him. So I don't know, don't think you'll find Smerdyakov likeable haha. Though the characters should be relatable to some point. Anyways, it's a book that's really based on its characters, if you don't like them, or at least aren't interested in them, then, I think it'd be difficult to read it
Marmalade
It a philosophical piece, not for everyone. Also its an unfinished novel, The idiot and C&P are easier reads
Hakkı Sayın
if you are looking for a "likeable character" in a book, maybe you should read nabokov's "lectures on russian literature" first.
Georgia
how do you not love alyosha
Gopi Bain
By likeable, do you mean 'well written' or 'well mannered'?
If it is the first case, I don't think there is one badly written character in the book. If I am being nit-picky, Dimitri feels a little one dimensional to me at times, but even that observation is a big stretch.
If it is the second case, the whole point of the book, in a way, is an exploration of the things that make people unlikeable or likeable, so writing a character that is on the extreme of either sides will be a waste in the context of the story. However, to me, towards the end, there we a characters that I ended up really liking as a person, despite their flaws. But you need to finish it to get to that realisation.
If it is the first case, I don't think there is one badly written character in the book. If I am being nit-picky, Dimitri feels a little one dimensional to me at times, but even that observation is a big stretch.
If it is the second case, the whole point of the book, in a way, is an exploration of the things that make people unlikeable or likeable, so writing a character that is on the extreme of either sides will be a waste in the context of the story. However, to me, towards the end, there we a characters that I ended up really liking as a person, despite their flaws. But you need to finish it to get to that realisation.
Rachel G
I loved Crime and Punishment, which I read in high school, and thought this would be a good second Dostoyesvky read, but I, too, found it insufferable. Something about it was just too protracted and meandering. I put myself on a timer for an hour a day to read it, thinking, like many other long Russian/classic novels, that this would eventually take off. I finally gave up about 2/3 of the way through, and like you, keep feeling guilty for not finishing it. I even talked a good friend into reading it with me, one who I consider at least as smart, if not smarter, than I am and she gave up even earlier.
The Usual
I may be a trifle late here, but it was intended to be part one of a series, so it's sort of unfinished anyway. I'm the worst possible person to give this advice, but if you genuinely hate it then just write it off and read The Idiot instead.
Paul
Alyosha is the draw of course, but sympathy for 'Stinking Lizaveta' and others also make for compelling reading. I'd say, get through the first 70 or so pages of rather rambling theological and philosophical text and the book sparkles into life in more of a fashion synonymous with Dostoevsky. I hope you get back into it, as it's a probably a book all bibliophiles should read along with the magnificent Power & the Glory by Graham Greene and Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess.
Duts Castillo
This is actually the essence of this literature piece, every brother is supposed to be one single part of a complete human being. You disliking all the characters exemplifies perfectly how us humans are living contradictions between doubt and sureness, good and bad.
Maybe changing your perspective while reading will help!
Maybe changing your perspective while reading will help!
Jill M.
I agree with Caulfield. In order to approach the reading I likened it to an Agatha Christie mystery and tried to solve the crime. Then take in the philosophy contained. I guess a lot of the depressive psychology of these characters could be blamed on the Russian weather! But seriously, look around at the everyday global events of today. Human condition.
Nick Malato
I think everyone in this book is insane. It’s a weird soap opera but it gets pretty interesting toward the end when the investigation starts. But I agree it’s just people with ridiculous passions and no logic throughout their character with almost no development.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more