The Brothers Karamazov

The Karamazov family, led by Alyosha, gathers around Elder Zosima at the monastery where Alyosha is mentored. The elder's wisdom frames the moral tensions that drive the story. Alyosha's faith contrasts with his brothers' passions.

Dmitri accuses his father of withholding money he needs to pursue Grushenka. The father counters that Dmitri deceived another woman, Katerina, and is only after Grushenka's affections. Tensions rise as the men clash over money and love.

Dmitri, enraged, confronts and threatens his father in a volatile outburst. Alyosha and Ivan intervene to prevent the violence from escalating. The clash marks the dangerous depth of the family feud.

A year earlier, Katerina helped Dmitri in financial distress, and he gave her the money before proposing engagement. Dmitri suspects Katerina's affections lie with Ivan, while his own heart is drawn to Grushenka. The prior arrangement leaves a bitter undercurrent in the present conflict.

Katerina lent Dmitri 3000 rubles for his aunt's trip, but he spent it on Grushenka. He tells Katerina he is trying to gather the money back and threatens his father if he fails. The debt fuels tension and fear of exposure.

Smerdyakov hints that Dmitri intends to kill their father and reveals the existence of the 3000 rubles. Ivan, resolved to avoid involvement, decides to travel to Moscow. Smerdyakov's manipulation keeps Ivan distant from the impending plan.

Grushenka is summoned by her ex-husband Samsonov and departs, telling Dmitri that her love for him was short-lived. Dmitri, furious, believes she has chosen his father and storms toward him. The feud grows more personal and heated.

Dmitri drives Samsonov away at the inn where Grushenka and Samsonov stay and spends the evening in music and dance with Grushenka. In solitude, he prays for the recovery of the person he harmed. The innkeeper overhears and calls the police, leading to his arrest.

Dmitri denies killing his father, admitting only intent born of jealousy. The blood on his hands is revealed to be from Smerdyakov, whom he struck in the garden. The money found on him is Katerina's, not his father’s.

Grushenka promises to wait for Dmitri, showing a surprising solidarity. Alyosha visits Dmitri in prison, maintaining faith in his innocence and offering moral support. The brothers' fates become more entwined as the trial approaches.

Ivan visits the sick Smerdyakov, who confesses to murdering their father at Ivan's orders, citing a prior plan they discussed. Smerdyakov claims he is Ivan's half-brother, a revelation that horrifies Ivan. Ivan plans to bring Smerdyakov to court the next day.

Back at his apartment, Ivan experiences visions of the devil confronting him, representing his guilt and fear. Alyosha interrupts these fantasies to deliver news of Smerdyakov's suicide. The psychological unraveling intensifies.

Dmitri's trial opens with cautious prospects for acquittal. Katerina presents Dmitri in a favorable light, omitting the incriminating drunken letter. Grushenka implicates Smerdyakov and questions Katerina, while Ivan confesses he set Smerdyakov in motion.

Katerina finally reveals the incriminating drunken letter to the judge, sealing Dmitri's fate in the eyes of the court. Grushenka's testimony and Ivan's confession contribute to a verdict that condemns Dmitri. Dmitri is sentenced to hard labor in Siberia, and Grushenka vows to wait for him.