Brother Anfim Character Analysis in The Brothers Karamazov

Also referred to as “Father Anfim,” he is a simple monk from the poorest peasantry. He is quite old and “all but illiterate, quiet and taciturn, rarely speaking to anyone.” He is “the humblest of the humble” and has “the look of a man who has been permanently frightened by something great and awesome that was more than his mind could sustain.” Zosima loves Brother Anfim and treats him with “unusual respect.” The men have hardly ever said a word to each other but, forty years ago, traveled together “all over holy Russia.” Brother Anfim instills Zosima with a love for children, whom he regards as similar to angels.

Brother Anfim Character Timeline in The Brothers Karamazov

The timeline below shows where the character Brother Anfim appears in The Brothers Karamazov. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...will probably be the elder’s last talk are Father Iosif, Father Paissy, Father Mikhail, and Brother Anfim . Zosima loves Brother Anfim, though he has said very little to him. Forty years... (full context)

...should love all of God’s creations, particularly children who are “sinless, like angels.” It was Father Anfim who taught Zosima to love children. He would spend some of the kopecks given to... (full context)