When creating an image of a «positively beautiful person», the writer paid attention to the question of moral impact of such a person on others and the nature of their response. The novelist noted duality of Prince Myshkin’s character (a special person - an impostor) in the first part of the book (abbot Pafnutius theme). However, it was weakened in the story about Marie and the children as Prince Myshkin took the role of the teacher. In this story, the novelist raised the question of the nature of interaction between the people and the teacher who carries words of truth. The biography and works of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk played a significant role in the understanding of the issue. They became one of the important sources of Prince Myshkin’s story about Marie and the children. The purpose of parenting, importance of comprehension (Christian morality), unique features of the children’ spiritual world, educators’ topic (parents, pastors of the church, teachers) - they all unite writings of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk and the story of Marie and the children in the novel “Idiot.”