Alyosha

Alyosha listens to Ivan as he recites the legend of the Grand Inquisitor. During the telling, Alyosha interrupts twice to ask questions. Although he only speaks eight sentences—all of which are questions—these interruptions allow Ivan and Dostoevsky to further explain and interpret the story for the reader.

The Cardinal

Refer to The Grand Inquisitor.

The Grand Inquisitor

The Grand Inquisitor is a ninety-year-old cardinal from the Roman Catholic Church during the Spanish Inquisition in Seville, Spain, in the sixteenth century. He dominates the dialogue in the story. Among a gathering of people to whom Jesus appears, he witnesses Jesus resurrect a child. However, the Grand Inquisitor's authority is so commanding that the crowd bows to him instead of Jesus. He has Jesus arrested and visits him in his cell, where he delivers a lengthy monologue of condemnation that constitutes most of the narrative. His speech is intricate, filled with lengthy sentences and complex ideas, and his language is formal and antiquated. After concluding his tirade, he is left bewildered when Jesus responds only with a kiss. In response, he simply releases Jesus.

Ivan

Ivan is credited as the creator of the Grand Inquisitor legend, which he presents in poem form to Alyosha. When Alyosha interjects with questions, Ivan's answers are vague. He tells Alyosha that the content of the Grand Inquisitor's words is less significant than their existence and encourages Alyosha to interpret them as he sees fit. Ivan remarks that "the most fundamental feature of Roman Catholicism" is its unchanging nature and resistance to evolution. In The Brothers Karamazov and some versions of the short story, Ivan provides an extensive introduction to his legend and offers commentary afterward.

Jesus

Throughout the story, Jesus remains silent. His reason for appearing on Earth is not explained. He walks among an admiring crowd, revives a dead child, and is subsequently arrested by the Grand Inquisitor. He sits quietly during the Grand Inquisitor's extended speech, maintaining eye contact and listening attentively without responding. After the speech concludes, Jesus approaches his accuser and kisses him on the lips. The Grand Inquisitor then opens the cell door and allows Jesus to leave. Jesus departs.

The Old Man

Refer to The Grand Inquisitor.

The Prisoner

Refer to Jesus.