The most interesting characters that Dostoevsky created are demons in various guises with different goals. They do not limit themselves in anything on the way to achieving the goal and are already interested in this.
In the center of the novel is a provincial provincial city. As a storyteller and participant in the events, the chronicler of Gv appears. He tells the story of Stepan Verkhovensky, who developed a platonic relationship with the noble lady Varvara Stavrogin. All this is painted in detail by Dostoevsky. "Demons" (the contents of the work can be found in any library) perfectly emphasize the tragedy of the situation.
Verkhovensky, preaching a “civilian role,” gradually notices that young people who are liberal-minded are gathering around him. It was this hero who brought up most of the rest of the characters in the book. Previously, he was incredibly beautiful, but now he can afford to play cards and not give up alcohol, this is clearly emphasized by Dostoevsky. "Demons" were born precisely from Verkhovensky, the sovereign of minds.
The city is waiting for the arrival of Nikolai Stavrogin, the son of Barbara, who is the subject of rumors and talk. It is known that, having done many troubles in the city, he explained all his troubles to delirium tremens, after which he drove abroad. Varvara is worried that Nikolai is giving attention to Daria Shatova, who is a pupil of Stavrogin.
In parallel, Varvara Petrovna is interested in her son becoming the husband of Lisa Tushina, which is why she plans to give Shatov for Stepan Trofimovich, who is her assistant. Verkhovensky is perplexed, however, reflects on how to make Daria an offer. The confusion and helplessness that Dostoevsky demonstrates, the demons in Stepan's soul — all this masterfully fits into the general outline of the story.
Varvara Petrovna invites Marya Lebyadkina, better known as Lame Knife, because she received an anonymous message in which it was said that a lame woman would play a serious role in the life of a noble lady. As a result, Trofimovich, Lisa, Daria, Lebyadkina and her brother gather in the same house. The meeting is interrupted by the arrival of Nicholas, whom Barbara was expecting no earlier than a month later.
Stavrogin clarifies whether her son was married to Lebyadkina, but Nikolai does not answer the question and leaves with Marya. Verkhovensky claims that Stavrogin made a serious suggestion to the girl and now she considers him her fiancé. Brother Mary confirms everything. Shatov gives Stavrogin a slap in the face, but he does nothing in response.
Nikolai locked himself in the room and for eight days did not accept anyone. Verkhovensky is the first in his chambers and announces the creation of a secret society. Stavrogin becomes aware that Shatov is in serious danger and even death.
The son of Barbara tells Shatov that he is officially married to Lebyadkina and warns him of the danger. After this conversation, he goes to Marya’s brother and says that his marriage is a complete farce. The next day is marked by a duel between Stavrogin and Artemy Gaganov, which miraculously dispenses with victims. Meanwhile, the city is planning a holiday dedicated to governesses.
The holiday ends with a scandal, where residents of the city take up arms at Verkhovensky. After a huge number of terrible events, Stepan Trofimovich goes to St. Petersburg, followed by Varvara Petrovna, who finds him dying. Dostoevsky showed this scene tragically; demons were expelled from Verkhovensky’s soul only on the eve of death.
Almost all the heroes of the story fall under investigation, Nikolai Stavrogin calls Shatov to Switzerland, where he wants to live happily ever after. The letter falls into the hands of Varvara Petrovna, but suddenly it becomes known that Nikolai came to Skvoreshniki. They go there, but arrive too late. Perhaps the most mystical work that Dostoyevsky created was Demons, a brief summary of which can only prompt the reader to open this book.