Pyotr Fomich Kalganov Character Analysis in The Brothers Karamazov

Also known as “Petrushka,” he is the nephew of Pyotr Alexandrovich Miusov. He is twenty years old, stylish, and handsome “with a very sweet, pale face” and “beautiful, thick, light brown hair.” Dreamy and thoughtful but prone to laziness and distraction, Pyotr has “intelligent” blue eyes and a child-like manner. He is quiet and awkward, but he is also prone to excitement over the smallest things, quickly becoming talkative, impulsive, and giggly. He is also described as a thoughtful but distracted person. When the narrator introduces him, he is preparing to leave town for university—Pyotr Alexandrovich wants him to go to Jena or Zurich to study. Pyotr Fomich possesses some wealth and expects to receive more. He is friendly with Alexei.

Pyotr Fomich Kalganov Character Timeline in The Brothers Karamazov

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

...a carriage drawn by “a pair of expensive horses.” He comes with his young relative, Pyotr Fomich Kalganov , who is friendly with Alexei. In “a very ancient” but “roomy” carriage, Fyodor Pavlovich... (full context)

...Father Paissy are. They are waiting in the Father Superior’s dining room when Pyotr Alexandrovich, Pyotr Kalganov , and Ivan enter. The Father Superior steps forward into the middle of the room... (full context)

Pyotr Alexandrovich turns to Pyotr Kalganov and says that they’re leaving. Fyodor prompts him to stay so that he can finish... (full context)

...a Pole. One of the other people present is Maximov, who’s been going around with Pyotr Fomich Kalgonov . The innkeeper reports that Grushenka is bored with her officer. Dmitri sends Borisich to... (full context)

...company undetected. Grushenka is sitting at the end of the table, in an armchair, beside Pyotr Fomich , who is saying something to Maximov. On a chair, by the wall, Dmitri sees... (full context)

...morning. The “fat little man with the pipe” tells him that it’s a private party. Pyotr Fomich ignores him and invites Dmitri to sit. They shake hands, though Dmitri grips Pyotr Fomich’s... (full context)

...it; Maximov thought she was just skipping from being in high spirits all the time. Pyotr Fomich laughs and asks if Maximov thought that she was skipping from the joy of being... (full context)

Pyotr Fomich says that Maximov is talking about his first wife; the second one is still alive... (full context)

Pyotr Fomich says that, if Maximov is lying, it’s fine because it’s the kind of lie that... (full context)

...hundred roubles. He wins the first hand. Quickly, he starts doubling his stakes and loses. Pyotr Fomich covers the bills with his hand and orders, “Enough!” He won’t let Dmitri bet anymore.... (full context)

...panie played baccarat with marked cards. The innkeeper shows his own deck, which remained unopened. Pyotr Fomich says that he saw one of the panie “palm a card twice.” Pan Vrublevsky turns... (full context)

Grushenka then goes over to the sleeping Pyotr Fomich and kisses him tenderly. She praises his beauty. He opens his eyes and looks at... (full context)

Next, Pyotr Fomich Kalganov arrives. He admits that he, too, heard about the six thousand. However, he didn’t really... (full context)

...“fiercely” at Dmitri for calling him “old fellow” instead of addressing him by his title. Pyotr Fomich Kalganov bids Dmitri farewell, however, and Dmitri returns the greeting. Kalganov then runs back into the... (full context)