I had to do an allegorical and memorable book cover. Dostoevsky conceived the protagonist as a modern (for the 19th century) Russian Christ-like figure. Besides his overly highly developed sense of truth and justice, there are honor, duty, integrity, morality, and great humility. 

A halo around the head becomes the main eye-catching detail which means holiness. A dark red associated with the blood and with sacrifice. The shape of the figure looks the way the main character should be in my mind. Not physically strong, but full of readiness and moral strength.