Abstract: This article article is a comparative analysis of the main characters Prince Myshkin of F.M. Dostoyevsky’s novel "The Idiot" and Vassiliy Knyazev of V.M. Shukshin’s short story "Chudik", respectively. The works are analysed in the light of the concepts of the 'Holy Fool' and the 'Wise Fool'. The work highlights the various genealogical connections and the typological similarities between the two characters.

Keywords: F.M. Dostoyevsky, V.M. Shukshin, Comparative analysis, The Idiot, Chudik, Holy Fool, Wise Fool.