Very Short Summary
St. Petersburg, Russia, 1869. On a train to St. Petersburg, two young men met: a penniless epileptic returning from treatment in Switzerland, and a passionate merchant's son.
Prince Muishkin became involved with the wealthy Epanchin family and their youngest daughter, Aglaya. Meanwhile, he learned of a beautiful woman who captivated both him and Rogozhin.
A complex love triangle developed, with Nastasia Philipovna torn between the prince's pure love and Rogozhin's passionate obsession. On her wedding day to the prince, she fled with Rogozhin. The prince, despite his engagement to Aglaya, remained concerned for Nastasia's safety.
After searching St. Petersburg, the prince found Rogozhin, who led him to his apartment. There, behind a curtain, lay Nastasia's body. Rogozhin confessed to murdering her.
I've covered her with oilcloth - best American oilcloth, and put the sheet over that, and four jars of disinfectant, on account of the smell - as they did at Moscow - you remember? And she's lying so still.
The two men spent the night by the corpse, with the prince comforting the murderer. When discovered, Rogozhin was sentenced to Siberia, while the prince relapsed into complete idiocy and returned to the Swiss sanatorium. Aglaya married an impostor and became a Catholic zealot.
Detailed Summary by Parts
Part titles and their division into sections are editorial.
Part 1. The Prince Returns to Russia
First Encounters and Mysterious Connections
On a cold November morning, two young men met on a train to St. Petersburg. One was a modestly dressed man with fair hair and blue eyes, returning to Russia after receiving treatment for epilepsy in Switzerland.
His companion was a dark-featured young man with intense eyes, heir to a merchant's fortune, who spoke passionately about a woman named Nastasia Philipovna.
The Prince and the Epanchin Family
Upon arriving in St. Petersburg, Prince Muishkin visited his distant relatives, the Epanchin family. The general's wife initially regarded him with suspicion, but his sincerity and unusual charm soon won her over.
The prince shared stories of his time in Switzerland, particularly about his relationship with a mistreated girl named Marie and his special connection with children. His innocent yet profound insights into human nature intrigued the family, especially their youngest daughter.
I consider you the most honest and upright of men - more honest and upright than any other man; and if anybody says that your mind is sometimes affected, you know, it is unfair. I always say so and uphold it.
Nastasia Philipovna's Birthday Party
The plot intensified during Nastasia Philipovna's birthday party, where she was expected to announce her decision about marrying Gania, an ambitious young secretary to General Epanchin.
The evening turned chaotic when Rogozhin arrived with a hundred thousand rubles, attempting to buy Nastasia's affections. The prince, moved by compassion and growing love, offered to marry her himself, revealing his unexpected inheritance. In a dramatic turn of events, Nastasia chose to leave with Rogozhin, throwing the money into the fire and testing Gania's greed.
I take you as a good, honest woman, Nastasia Philipovna - not as Rogojin's mistress... I love you with all my soul. Why, she is a child! She's a child now - a real child. Oh! you know nothing about it at all.
Part 2. Social Complications
The Prince's New Life and Relationships
Following these events, Prince Muishkin left for Moscow but later returned to St. Petersburg, where he rented a villa from Lebedeff, a cunning and verbose clerk. The prince's relationship with both Nastasia Philipovna and Aglaya grew more complex, while his friendship with Rogozhin took a dark turn.
During a tense visit to Rogozhin's house, the two men exchanged crosses as 'brothers', but their conversation revealed Rogozhin's dangerous obsession with Nastasia. Later that day, Rogozhin attempted to murder the prince, who was saved only by a timely epileptic fit.
Burdovsky's Claim and Hippolyte's Confession
A new conflict arose when a young man named Burdovsky falsely claimed to be the son of the prince's former benefactor, demanding money. The situation was complicated by the presence of Hippolyte, a young consumptive who aligned himself with Burdovsky's group.
During a gathering at the prince's villa, Hippolyte read his 'Necessary Explanation,' a lengthy confession culminating in a failed suicide attempt. The event highlighted the prince's compassionate nature but also exposed him to ridicule and manipulation.
What is the good of all this beauty and glory to me, when every second, every moment, I cannot but be aware that this little fly which buzzes around my head in the sun's rays is happier than I?
Part 3. Love and Rivalry
Growing Tensions and Political Discussions
The story took a more philosophical turn as the prince engaged in discussions about faith, atheism, and Russian society with various characters, including Evgenie Pavlovitch, a perceptive retired military officer who became his friend.
Our Russian intensity not only astonishes ourselves; all Europe wonders at our conduct in such cases! If one of us becomes an Atheist, he must needs begin to insist on the prohibition of faith in God by force.
Aglaya and the Prince's Relationship
The relationship between Prince Muishkin and Aglaya deepened, though it remained complicated by her pride and his continued concern for Nastasia Philipovna. Aglaya's family, particularly her mother Lizabetha Prokofievna, watched their growing attachment with mixed feelings.
Beauty is a riddle. Most wonderfully so... Almost as lovely as Nastasia Philipovna, but quite a different type... Such beauty is real power. With such beauty as that one might overthrow the world.
Despite various social complications and misunderstandings, the prince and Aglaya became engaged. However, their engagement was overshadowed by the ongoing drama surrounding Nastasia Philipovna, who continued to write letters to Aglaya, creating tension and uncertainty.
Part 4. Tragic Conclusions
The Confrontation Between Aglaya and Nastasia
The tension culminated in a dramatic meeting between Aglaya and Nastasia Philipovna, arranged at the latter's request. What began as a confrontation between rivals turned into a psychological battle that revealed the deep wounds and complex emotions of both women. The prince's presence only complicated matters, as his compassion for Nastasia clashed with his love for Aglaya.
When you rang the bell this morning I thought it must be you. I went to the door on tiptoe and heard you talking to the servant opposite... So I came to this very window, looked out, and there you were.
The Failed Wedding and Final Tragedy
Following the confrontation, Aglaya broke off her engagement with the prince. In a surprising turn of events, preparations began for the prince's wedding to Nastasia Philipovna instead. However, on the wedding day, Nastasia fled with Rogozhin, leaving the prince in a state of calm despair.
The prince followed them to St. Petersburg, where he eventually found Rogozhin. In the novel's darkest turn, Rogozhin led him to his apartment where he had murdered Nastasia Philipovna. The two men spent the night by her body, with the prince comforting his rival. When discovered, Rogozhin was delirious with brain fever, while the prince had retreated into a state of complete mental breakdown.
The novel concluded with the aftermath of these tragic events. Rogozhin was sentenced to fifteen years in Siberia. The prince, his mental condition severely deteriorated, returned to the Swiss sanatorium under the care of Evgenie Pavlovitch. Aglaya, in a twist of fate, married a fraudulent Polish count and became a Catholic zealot. The Epanchin family, particularly Lizabetha Prokofievna, continued to visit the prince in Switzerland, maintaining their connection to him despite his condition.