The Russian novelist known for the concept of the "superfluous man" is Ivan Turgenev. His exploration of this character type reflects the disillusionment and existential struggles of individuals in 19th-century Russian society. Turgenev's works, particularly "A Month in the Country" and "Fathers and Sons", delve into themes of alienation and unfulfilled potential. The superfluous man often embodies the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, and Turgenev's portrayal highlights the complexities of human emotions and relationships within a changing social landscape.