"Poor folk" by Fyodor Dostoevsky: the problem of portrayal in an epistolary novel

The article analyzes "Poor Folk" - a novel in letters by Fyodor Dostoevsky. We have shown the possibility of portrayal in such a genre, as well as the deep connection of a pre-portrait category of name with the portrait of a character and his evolution from “a poor man”, “a little man” to “a Real Man”. There are emphasized such trends as minimization of bodily and gesture portrait, and actualization of the costume. We have also clarified the difference between the image of tears in the Dostoevsky’s novel and in Russian sentimental literature. Aa accent is made on the inner gesture, which is associated with the concept of “heart” and expresses sensitivity as an important feature of the character. Evolution of the character is depicted through the changing relation to “sapogi” (knee-high boots) and transcension over social and psychological limitations.