The novel begins with the story of a young Russian student, Raskolnikov. He believes himself to be an extraordinary man. In order to prove his theory of his right to crime, Raskolnikov 'needs' to murder the old pawnbroker Alyona Ivanovna and her innocent sister Lizaveta. Immediately after the crime, the guilt sets over Raskolnikov and he becomes sickly ill. During his recovery, he finds Razumihin, an old schoolmate and friend. Meanwhile, Raskolnikov is visited by Luzhin, a man engaged to Raskolnikov's sister Dounia. Luzhin is marrying Dounia to prove his manliness and ability to dominate females. As soon as Raskolnikov can walk he goes to the police station where he basically confesses to the murder. Later in the story, he witnesses the death