Fyodor M. Dostoevsky altered people's conception of the novel. Crime and Punishment had depth to characters, an element that was unseen previously. This depth was perhaps most notable in the cases of the two main characters Raskolnikov, and Porfiry. Raskolnikov was a misunderstood genius who falls to delirium. His thoughts are deep and rich in detail. Due to his mental state, the reader is almost forced to sympathize with Rodya. Porfiry is a psychoanalytical genius. He can read deep into the minds of criminals and predict their actions with incredible accuracy. Usually a character that would be liked, Porfiry is viewed as despicable because he is trying to imprison Rodya.
             The character of Raskolnikov is one who may be considered evil or immoral for his actions, however his portrayal by the author is one that instills sympathy in the reader for the character due to his motives and personal, internal consequences he suffers for his crime of murder. There is considerable evidence supporting the view that Raskolnikov wants his theory surrounding the murder to be proven wrong, to be caught, and to be punished. This tells the reader that deep down, Raskolnikov knows in his heart what is wrong and right, and that he wants to be brought back down off his pedestal and enter back in to normal human society. Raskolnikov's theory of the "extraordinary" man who is above all societal constraints and able to stamp out the weak and detrimental people in society for the common good, is one that is obviously skewed. This prompts Raskolnikov to doubt his reasoning for the consequent execution of the crime. The reader cannot be completely sympathetic towards Rasko!
             lnikov because even when he knows he is wrong, he tries to convince Sonia otherwise. "I've only killed a louse, Sonia, a useless, loathsome, harmful creature." (358) He is completely indifferent for the life of Alyona. He does however know that...