The Gentle Spirit (Russian: Кроткая, Krotkaya), sometimes also translated as The Meek One, is a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky written in 1876. The piece comes with the subtitle of A Fantastic Story, and it chronicles the relationship between a pawnbroker and a girl that frequents his shop.

This narrative delves deep into the psychological and emotional exchanges between the characters, exploring themes of power, submission, and the complexities of human interaction. The story provides a poignant look at the nuances of a relationship bound by societal and personal constraints.