Ivan is presented as an intellectual, a cynic, a realist, and someone who has no illusions about humanity's plight. Surprisingly, he is just as loving as Alyosha because of this. He truly sees the wickedness in the world, and it has a profound effect on him, so profound that it has shattered his entire worldview. He's completely changed, and he can't reconcile his love for the weak and vulnerable with his belief in mankind.