Svidrigailov in Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment

Epitomized by such powerful men as Caesar, Napoleon, and Hitler, Nietzche's Theory of übermench (or Great Man) argues that certain human beings are so far intellectually superior to their peers that they are beyond the basic laws and principles that govern human morality. Because of their cerebral supremacy and dismissal of ethics, these men are constantly able to overcome obstacles that normal human beings often lack the courage to confront. 

Dostoyevsky's critically acclaimed novel CRIME AND PUNISHMENT presents one such Great Man, Svidrigailov, whose extreme lifestyle paints the dangers and pathetic ennui attendant upon adhering to a theory that so blatantly disregards any moral doctrines or practices.

Although Dostoyevski never explicitly mentions that Svidrigailov exhibits the qualities of one of Nietzche's übermenchen, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT's protagonist, Raskolnikov, is an ardent follower of the Great Man theory and is convinced that he is indeed one of these superior humans. During his years as a university student, Raskolnikov pens an article for the student newspaper explaining that it is possible for such Great Men to exist and that their genius even excuses them from following moral codes. 

Raskolnikov becomes so intrigued by this Great Man theory that he even commits murder to allegedly better the world, but also to prove to himself that he can kill as stoically as Napoleon did. Raskolnikov tells himself that by murdering the hated pawnbroker in his neighborhood, he will benefit the entire community. He can then use the pawnbroker's money to either become a lawyer, to help the poor, or give the money directly to the destitute.