This two-part novel follows the story of Prince Myshkin, a young man who returns to Russia after spending several years in a Swiss sanatorium for epilepsy. Myshkin is a kind and compassionate person, but his naivety and lack of social skills make him an easy target for those who wish to exploit him. As he tries to find his place in society, Myshkin encounters a cast of eccentric and unforgettable characters, including the demonic Rogozhin, the beautiful but troubled Natasha Filippovna, and the scheming Ganya Ivolgin. Through these relationships, Myshkin learns about the complexities of human nature and the challenges of living in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving.