The novel Crime and Punishment introduces the main character Raskalnikov, and throughout the first six chapters more characters are introduced and the plot comes to life. 

Raskalnikov is debating on whether or not to do his "deed." The audience learns that this deed is killing a pawn broker who he and many others owe money. He was the most sure that he should commit the murder when he overheard someone talking about how the pawn broker should be killed for the good of the people. 

Raskalnikov goes through with the murder, using a fake pledge as a distraction while he kills the pawn broker with the blunt end of an axe. While he was trying to find valuables to steal in the brokers apartment after the murder, the brokers sister walked in, and she too was murdered with the axe. While trying to escape from the scene of the crime, Raskalnikov had to avoid being seen by unexpected people, return the axe, and make it back to his house.

At the end of chapter six in part one, Raskalnikov is sitting on the couch obliviously. The next several parts of the novel expand upon the punishment of Raskalnikov's crime.