Abstract. The literary character Alexei Kirillov from the Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel “Demons” is presented. Emphasis is placed on Kirillov’s suicide and the answer to the question whether it is a psychiatric case or an existential hero we are speaking of. The Dostoevsky’s case illustrates the good use of a common neurological disorder (epilepsy) by a remarkable writer, who transforms suffering into art and a disadvantage into an advantage.

Key words: suicide, epilepsy, Dostoevsky, Kirillov

Full text here.