In the preface it is written by Dostoevsky that Aleksei Karamazov is the main character of the book. This might seem surprising to those who have read the book but maybe the reason for this notion is that because of the painful tragedy in the book it would be too harsh to call Dmitri the main character. Aleksei is also the one who sees the whole story happen with nobility of character.
The book illustrates the fight and the triumph of justice against an aristocrat with the finest lawyer and also how justice can win over some opinion of spectators (most women watching the trial) in the book.
The great amount of feelings associated with the character of Dmitri is significant and it is painfully emotional to see an aristocrat, Dmitri Karamazov, fall from high place in social hierarchy to a convict sent to incarceration.
Akseli Hänninen blog 