Golyadkin is the protagonist of The Double. In the opening chapters, he is portrayed as a social introvert. Amid his many anxieties, he struggles to relate to his colleagues, and when he sees them outside of work, he wonders whether he should pretend to be someone else entirely. Golyadkin’s introverted personality has long plagued him, so much so that his doctor prescribes a routine of social interaction as the only means of addressing Golyadkin’s ailments. As much medicine as the doctor prescribes—which Golyadkin is never seen to take—the only resolution that the doctor can imagine is social integration. Golyadkin rejects this suggestion; he is proud of his status as an introvert. While he may not be happy, he cannot understand why the world cannot tolerate his withdrawn character. This mutual tension between Golyadkin’s personality and social expectations serves to create even more anxiety. Since he cannot conform to social expectations, Golyadkin is made even more nervous. Golyadkin’s introverted character is a self-perpetuating problem, making his life increasingly impossible in a society that will not tolerate dissent or deviation from the norm.

Golyadkin strives to be something different, though he does not know how to change. He wishes to be seen as a successful person, so he adopts the affectations of the wealthy.