Porfiry Petrovich is a fictional character from Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment. He serves as the investigating officer in the story, known for his intelligence and psychological insight. Porfiry is tasked with solving the murder of a pawnbroker, which is central to the plot. As a character, Porfiry represents the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Raskolnikov. His methods of investigation often involve psychological manipulation, as he seeks to understand the motives behind the crime. Porfiry's interactions with Raskolnikov highlight themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of justice.