The main character in Leo Tolstoy’s story is Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov. His wife is important early in the story, but after Aksionov’s arrest, conviction, and imprisonment, they are separated nearly forever, with a final reunion near the end. The real culprit, Makar Semyonich, is a small but important character. Because we learn his true identity rather late in the story, he has succeeded in getting away with murder, though he is imprisoned for a different offense.

It seems that Aksionov had a wild streak when he was young, but by the time the story’s action begins, he has settled down and behaves responsibly. He knows he is innocent, so he will not confess to a crime he did not commit. Because he is treated unjustly, the other characters who brought him to “justice” could be criticized for their negative characteristics; in this case the primary error was a rush to judgment. Makar has almost all negative traits; in addition to commiting crimes, he takes no responsibility and allows Aksionov to take the blame for him.

As his death nears, Aksionov looks deep into his own soul. He knows he did not commit the murder, and when he realizes that Makar is the real murderer, he forgives him. All of his religious studies have made him doubt his own goodness, as he recalls and repents countless other slights he has committed.

Ultimately, he suspects that he may been a “hundred times worse” a person than Makar is. Although his wife does visit him in prison, she has suffered a loss of faith; her doubt in his innocence is understandable but is hardly a positive characteristic.