Dostoevsky, Fyodor, DOS tuh YEHF skee, FYAW dor (1821-1881), was one of the greatest writers in Russian literature. Dostoevsky's finest works are novels of ideas, embodied in great characters. His intensely individual and highly complex characters are usually caught up in very dramatic plots. The underlying theme in his books is the struggle between good and evil for dominance of the human soul. Dostoevsky attempts to resolve this struggle by leading his characters to salvation through purifying suffering.