Katerina Ivanovna is the wife of Marmeladov. Previously, she was married to a high status army officer. Before Marmeladov out of necessity after her husband died, she was happy with her noble status. Marrying Marmeladov, however, took away this status, which contributes to their unhealthy relationship because she does not fully know how to cope with being poor. She had three children before marrying Marmeladov (Polenka, Lyona, and Kolka). She is frequently angry with Marmeladov for using the family money to buy alcohol, and even in his death, she is angry at him. Even though she occasionally beats her children, she wants them to have better lives. She is also sick with tuberculosis. After holding a funeral for Marmeladov, she collapses in the street after begging for money and soon dies.
Polina (Polya, Polenka, Polechka) is the oldest of Katerina's children. Her mother wants her to avoid being a prostitute. In a conversation with Raskolnikov after her step-father's death, she explains the misfortunes that the family has had
Kolya (Kolka) is another of Katerina's children. He also witnessed her step-father's death and was frightened. Katerina forces him to play the barrel organ on the street for money, but he never did enough, which resulted in anger from Katerina.
Lenya (Lida, Lidochka) is one of Katerina's children whom she had with her first husband. When witnessing her step-father die, she was scared and upset. Katerina forced Lenya to dance in the street for money, but she was never good enough for Katerina.