Characters
Pierre Bezuhov
Pierre Bezuhov, the illegitimate son of the wealthy Count Cyril Bezuhov, is a character of both physical and emotional enormity. Initially disregarded by high society due to his clumsiness, stoutness, and unusual height, Pierre's fortunes change dramatically when he inherits his father's wealth. This newfound status attracts admiration but also leads to an ill-fated marriage with Hélène Kuragina, who remains unfaithful. Throughout the narrative, Pierre embarks on a quest for inner peace and meaning, seeking fulfillment through philanthropy, the hedonistic pleasures of society, and acts of self-sacrifice during the Napoleonic Wars. His journey of self-discovery reaches its climax on the battlefield, where the raw truth of mortality and shared human suffering bring him a profound sense of peace. Pierre's story finds resolution in his marriage to Natasha Rostova, the woman he has always secretly loved.
Princess Natasha Rostova
Princess Natasha Rostova, the beautiful daughter of Count Ilya Rostov, is a constant presence at social events, admired by numerous suitors. Her engagement to the wealthy Prince Andrey Bolkonsky is disrupted by her impetuous attempt to elope with the unscrupulous Anatole Kuragin, a scandal that tarnishes her reputation. Despite this, Natasha's compassion shines when she cares for the mortally wounded Andrey, securing his forgiveness before his death. Her character matures significantly over the course of the novel, transitioning from a naive girl to a thoughtful woman profoundly impacted by the sorrows of war. After enduring the trials of lost love and familial duty, she marries Pierre Bezuhov, with whom she shares a deep and abiding connection.
Princess Hélène Kuragina
Known as “the most fascinating woman in Petersburg,” Princess Hélène Kuragina marries Pierre Bezuhov for his wealth and social position, though she harbors no genuine affection for him. Her marriage does not constrain her pursuit of affluent admirers, as she remains a superficial and callous figure, unperturbed by the devastations of war. Hélène's cunning is further displayed through her conversion to Roman Catholicism, a strategic move to invalidate her marriage to Pierre and pursue other suitors. Ultimately, her life ends tragically due to a failed surgical procedure, rumored to be an abortion, which she undergoes in an effort to resolve the complications of her dual marriages.
Count Nikolay Rostov
Count Nikolay Rostov, Natasha's charming older brother, serves with distinction as a cavalry officer in the Russian army. His romantic future appears set with his cousin Sonya, who lives with the Rostov family. However, the family's financial decline necessitates a more advantageous union, leading Nikolay to marry Princess Marya Bolkonskaya, whom he rescues from rebellious peasants during the army's retreat. Nikolay's journey reflects the complexities of duty and love, and by the novel's end, he retires as a gentleman, living on his estate and engaging in debates about social issues with his brother-in-law, Pierre Bezuhov.
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya is the sister of Prince Andrey and the daughter of a tyrannical father who confines her to a life of servitude as his nurse and companion. Her father's eccentricities prevent her from marrying, yet she finds solace in her religious convictions, sponsoring "God’s Folk" who have experienced mystical revelations. Following her father's and brother's deaths, Marya aspires to a life of solitude until her love for Nikolay Rostov rekindles her desire for a more conventional existence. They marry, and she becomes a nurturing mother to his children, including the adopted Nikolushka, Prince Andrey's son.
Sonya
Sonya, Nikolay Rostov's impoverished cousin, is a devoted member of the Rostov household and Natasha's confidante. Her selflessness is evident when she releases Nikolay from their childhood engagement, allowing him to make a financially advantageous match...
(This entire section contains 1589 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
with Princess Marya. Despite being a constant presence in the Rostov family, Sonya remains a somewhat tragic figure, forever overshadowed by more prominent personalities and resigned to a life without the romantic fulfillment she desires.
Prince Andrey Bolkonsky
Prince Andrey Bolkonsky is a nobleman of great wealth and the brother of Marya. He demonstrates valor at the Battle of Austerlitz, leading the charge with the Russian flag. Assumed dead after being injured, he returns, having been nursed by peasants. Engaged to Natasha Rostova, the engagement ends when Natasha attempts to elope with Anatole Kuragin. Despite vowing never to fight again, his duty calls him back to arms when France invades, where he is fatally wounded. Andrey reconciles with Natasha, who attends to him until his death, highlighting the enduring bond between them despite past betrayals.
Princess Lise Bolkonskaya
The neglected wife of Prince Andrey, Princess Lise Bolkonskaya is delicate and beautiful, yet her life is cut short when she dies in childbirth, leaving a void in Andrey's life.
Nikolushka Bolkonsky
Nikolushka Bolkonsky is the young son of Prince Andrey and Princess Lise. After his father's death, he is adopted by Count Nikolay Rostov and his wife, Marya, who raise him as their own, ensuring his place within the family.
Prince Nikolay Bolkonsky
Prince Nikolay Bolkonsky is the domineering and eccentric father of Andrey and Marya. His tyrannical nature stifles his children's lives, particularly impacting Marya, whom he keeps confined to his service.
Prince Anatole Kuragin
A notorious rake, Prince Anatole Kuragin is the brother of Hélène. His scandalous behavior disrupts Natasha Rostova's engagement to Prince Andrey, as he woos her and plots a failed elopement despite already being married in Poland. Anatole's reckless actions eventually lead to his downfall; he is grievously injured on the battlefield and later succumbs to complications from an amputation.
Prince Vasily Kuragin
Prince Vasily Kuragin is the patriarch of the Kuragin family, father to Anatole and Hélène. His ambitions for his children often entangle them in advantageous but morally questionable pursuits.
Prince Hippolyte Kuragin
Prince Hippolyte Kuragin, the younger son of the Kuragin family, is characterized by his limited intellect and functions mainly as a peripheral figure within the family dynamic.
Count Ilya Rostov
Count Ilya Rostov, a wealthy nobleman, is the patriarch of the Rostov family. His financial mismanagement leads to the family's decline, impacting the futures of his children.
Countess Natalya Rostova
Countess Natalya Rostova is the wife of Count Ilya Rostov, a devoted mother who navigates the challenges of her family's social and financial trials.
Countess Vera Rostova
Countess Vera Rostova, the older daughter of the Rostov family, marries Lieutenant Alphose Berg, cementing her position within the social fabric of the time.
Count Petya Rostov
The youngest son of the Rostov family, Count Petya Rostov is eager to prove himself in battle. Tragically, he is killed in an attack that also results in the liberation of Pierre Bezuhov from the retreating French forces.
Lieutenant Alphose Berg
An officer in the Russian army, Lieutenant Alphose Berg is closely associated with the Rostov family, eventually marrying Countess Vera Rostova and solidifying his social standing.
Prince Boris Drubetskoy
Prince Boris Drubetskoy, an ambitious officer in the Russian army, benefits from his mother's social connections to advance his career. His marriage to the wealthy Julie Karagina further bolsters his status.
Princess Anna Drubetskaya
Princess Anna Drubetskaya, the impoverished mother of Boris, is relentless in her efforts to secure a prosperous future for her son, employing her social skills to lobby for his advancement.
Julie Karagina
Julie Karagina, a wealthy heiress, marries Prince Boris Drubetskoy, ensuring her place within the elite circles of society.
Anna Scherer
Anna Scherer serves as a maid of honor to Empress Marya Fedorovna and is renowned for her influential salon, where the elite of St. Petersburg convene.
General Michael Kutuzov
General Michael Kutuzov, appointed commander in chief of the Russian army in 1812, is a complex figure. Though often criticized for his outdated military strategies and personal slovenliness, his strategic patience proves instrumental in thwarting Napoleon's invasion. By opting not to defend Moscow in a likely futile battle, Kutuzov's tactics ultimately result in devastating losses for the French, showcasing his profound understanding of the broader war dynamics.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, the famed leader of the French Grand Armée, is depicted as a hubristic figure who misattributes his military successes to personal skill rather than fate. His preoccupations, such as admiring a portrait of his son on the eve of the Battle of Borodino, underscore his detachment from the impending disaster. Napoleon's campaign in Russia marks the beginning of the end for his invincibility, as his army succumbs to the harsh Russian winter and strategic Russian resistance.
Vasili Dmitrich Denisov
Denisov exemplifies the ideal military officer, passionately combating the bureaucracy that threatens his troops' welfare. His defiance includes threatening a commander to secure necessary provisions, resulting in his court martial. Despite being wounded by a French sniper, Denisov's commitment remains unshaken, though disillusionment leads to his retirement. By the novel's end, he finds solace staying with Count Nikolay's family.
Fedya Dolokhov
Fedya Dolokhov, a cunning and resourceful rogue, uses his limited means to navigate high society. A notorious gambler, he wins significant sums from Nicholas Rostov and duels with Pierre Bezuhov over Hélène Kuragina's honor. His exploits, including a daring reconnaissance mission in enemy territory, elevate his status as a romantic yet dangerous figure. His proposal to Sonya is rejected, leaving his ambitions unfulfilled.
Platon Karataev
Platon Karataev, a Russian soldier, provides spiritual solace to Nicholas Rostov. His presence embodies the simple, profound wisdom of the common folk, contributing to Nicholas's growth and understanding.
Mademoiselle Bourienne
Mademoiselle Bourienne serves as a companion to Marya Bolkonskaya within the Bolkonsky household. In his declining years, Prince Nikolay Bolkonsky finds her appealing and comforting, further complicating the family dynamics.
