Dmitri

Renowned chemist Dmitri Mendeleev transformed chemistry with his invention of the periodic table, a systematic organization of elements predicting undiscovered ones.

Character

Literary

Commonwealth

Dmitri is a complex and intriguing character from the novel “Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett. He is the son of Fix and Beverly Keating, and the younger brother of Caroline. Dmitri is a tall, dark-haired, and handsome man who exudes charm and charisma. He is known for his magnetic personality, which often draws people towards him. However, beneath his charming exterior lies a troubled and tormented soul.

Dmitri’s life is marked by a series of tumultuous events, starting with his parents’ divorce when he was a young boy. This event deeply affects him and leads to a strained relationship with his mother, Beverly. As a result, Dmitri grows up feeling abandoned and resentful towards her. He also struggles with the fact that his father, Fix, is a police officer, which adds to the complexity of his emotions and relationships.

As Dmitri grows older, he becomes involved in various self-destructive behaviors, including drug abuse and promiscuity. His wild lifestyle eventually lands him in a rehabilitation center, where he meets a woman named Joley. The two form a deep connection, and Dmitri begins to find solace in their relationship. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Joley tragically dies in a car accident, leaving Dmitri devastated and heartbroken.

Despite his personal struggles, Dmitri is a talented and successful producer in the entertainment industry. He is known for his ability to spot talent and create hit shows, which earns him a great deal of respect and admiration from his peers. However, his professional success does little to alleviate his inner turmoil.

Throughout the novel, Dmitri’s relationships with his family members, particularly his sister Caroline and step-siblings, play a significant role in his character development. He often finds himself at odds with them, as they struggle to understand and accept one another. Ultimately, Dmitri’s journey in “Commonwealth” is one of self-discovery, redemption, and the search for forgiveness and understanding within his fractured family.