War and peace tree of heroes. "War and Peace": characteristics of heroes (briefly)
In the novel “War and Peace,” Leo Tolstoy conveyed the author’s vision of morals, the state of thoughts and worldview of the advanced stratum of Russian society at the beginning of the 19th century. Problems of the state arise as a result of great world events and become the concern of every conscious citizen. The main characters of the novel “War and Peace” are representatives of influential families at the emperor’s court.
Andrey Bolkonsky
The image of a Russian patriot who died in the fight against the French occupiers. He is not attracted by the quiet family life, social receptions and balls. The officer takes part in every military campaign of Alexander I. The husband of Kutuzov's niece, he becomes the adjutant of the famous general.In the Battle of Schoenberg, a soldier rises to attack, carrying a fallen banner, like a real hero. At the Battle of Austerlitz, Bolkonsky is wounded and captured, freed by Napoleon. In the Battle of Borodino, a shell fragment hits a brave warrior in the stomach. The ladle died in agony in the arms of his beloved girl.
Tolstoy showed a man whose life priorities are national duty, military valor and the honor of his uniform. Representatives of the Russian aristocracy have always been carriers moral values monarchical power.
Natasha Rostova
The young countess grew up in luxury, surrounded by parental care. A noble upbringing and excellent education could provide a girl with a profitable match, have a fun life in high society. The war changed the carefree Natasha, who suffered the loss dear people.Having married Pierre Bezukhov, she became a mother of many children, finding peace in family concerns. Leo Tolstoy created positive image Russian noblewoman, patriot and keeper of the hearth. The author is critical of the fact that after giving birth to four children, Natasha stopped taking care of herself. The author wants to see a woman unfading, fresh and well-groomed throughout her life.
Maria Bolkonskaya
The princess was raised by her father, Potemkin's contemporary and friend of Kutuzov, Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky. The old general attached importance to education, especially the study technical sciences. The girl knew geometry and algebra and spent many hours reading books.The father was strict and biased, he tormented his daughter with lessons, this is how he demonstrated his love and care. Marya sacrificed her youth to her parent’s old age and was with him until his last days. She replaced the mother of her nephew Nikolenka, trying to surround him with parental tenderness.
Maria met her fate during the war in the person of her savior Nikolai Rostov. Their relationship developed for a long time, both did not dare to take the first step. The gentleman was younger than his lady, this embarrassed the girl. The princess had a large inheritance from the Bolkonskys, which stopped the guy. They did it good family.
Pierre Bezukhov
The young man was educated abroad and was allowed to return to Russia at the age of twenty. High society accepted young man wary, because he was the illegitimate son of a noble nobleman. However, before his death, the father asked the king to recognize Pierre as the legal heir.In an instant, Bezukhov became a count and the owner of a huge fortune. The inexperienced, slow and gullible Pierre was used in selfish intrigues; he was quickly married to his daughter by Prince Vasily Kuragin. The hero had to go through the pain of betrayal, humiliation of his wife's lovers, a duel, Freemasonry and drunkenness.
The war cleansed the count’s soul, saved him from empty mental ordeals, and radically changed his worldview. Having gone through fire, captivity and the loss of dear people, Bezukhov found the meaning of life in family values, in the ideas of new post-war political reforms.
Illarion Mikhailovich Kutuzov
Kutuzov's personality is key figure events of 1812, because he commanded the army defending Moscow. Leo Tolstoy in the novel “Vona and Peace” presented his vision of the general’s character, his assessment of his actions and decisions.The commander looks like a kind, fat old man who, with his experience and knowledge of conducting large battles, is trying to lead Russia out of a difficult retreat situation. The Battle of Borodino and the surrender of Moscow was a cunning military combination that led to victory over the French army.
The author described the famous Kutuzov as ordinary person, a slave to his weaknesses, who has experience and wisdom accumulated over for many years life. The general is an example of an army commander who takes care of the soldiers, worries about their uniforms, food and sleep.
Leo Tolstoy tried to convey through the image of the main characters of the novel the difficult fate of the representatives high society Russia, which survived the European military storm early XIX century. Then a generation of Decembrists was formed, who would lay the foundation for new reforms, the result of which would be the abolition of serfdom.
The main feature that unites all heroes is patriotism, love for the Motherland, respectful attitude to parents.
In this article we will introduce you to the main characters of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy's work "War and Peace". The characteristics of the heroes include the main features of their appearance and inner world. All the characters in the work are very interesting. The novel "War and Peace" is very large in volume. The characteristics of the heroes are given only briefly, but meanwhile, a separate work can be written for each of them. Let's begin our analysis with a description of the Rostov family.
Ilya Andreevich Rostov
The Rostov family in the work are typical Moscow representatives of the nobility. Its head, Ilya Andreevich, is known for his generosity and hospitality. This is the count, the father of Petya, Vera, Nikolai and Natasha Rostov, a rich man and a Moscow gentleman. He is spendthrift, good-natured, and loves to live. In general, speaking about the Rostov family, it should be noted that sincerity, goodwill, lively contact and ease in communication were characteristic of all its representatives.
Some episodes from the life of the writer's grandfather were used by him to create the image of Rostov. The fate of this man is burdened by the awareness of ruin, which he does not immediately understand and is unable to stop. In his appearance There are also some similarities with the prototype. The author used this technique not only in relation to Ilya Andreevich. Some internal and external features the relatives and friends of Leo Tolstoy are also discernible in other characters, which is confirmed by the characteristics of the heroes. "War and Peace" is a large-scale work with a huge amount actors.
Nikolay Rostov
Nikolai Rostov - son of Ilya Andreevich, brother of Petya, Natasha and Vera, hussar, officer. At the end of the novel he appears as the husband of Marya Bolkonskaya, the princess. In the appearance of this man one could see “enthusiasm” and “impetuousness.” It reflected some of the characteristics of the writer’s father, who participated in the War of 1812. This hero is distinguished by such traits as cheerfulness, openness, goodwill and self-sacrifice. Convinced that he is neither a diplomat nor an official, Nikolai leaves the university at the beginning of the novel and enters the hussar regiment. Here he participates in the Patriotic War of 1812, in military campaigns. Nikolai receives his first baptism of fire when he crosses the Enns. In the Battle of Shengraben he was wounded in the arm. Having passed the tests, this man becomes a real hussar, a brave officer.
Petya Rostov
Petya Rostov - youngest child in the Rostov family, brother of Natasha, Nikolai and Vera. He appears at the beginning of the work as a small boy. Petya, like all Rostovs, is cheerful and kind, musical. He wants to imitate his brother and also wants to join the army. After Nikolai's departure, Petya becomes the main concern of the mother, who only realizes at that time the depth of her love for this child. During the war, he accidentally ends up in Denisov’s detachment on an assignment, where he remains because he wants to take part in the case. Petya dies by coincidence, showing before his death the best traits of the Rostovs in his relationships with his comrades.
Countess of Rostov
Rostova is a heroine, when creating the image of which the author used some circumstances of the life of L. A. Bers, Lev Nikolaevich’s mother-in-law, as well as P. N. Tolstoy, the writer’s paternal grandmother. The Countess was used to living in an atmosphere of kindness and love, in luxury. She is proud of the trust and friendship of her children, spoils them, and worries about their destinies. Despite the external weakness, even some of the heroine makes reasonable and informed decisions regarding her children. Her love for children is also dictated by her desire to marry Nikolai to a wealthy bride at any cost, as well as nagging towards Sonya.
Natasha Rostova
Natasha Rostova is one of the main characters of the work. She is the daughter of Rostov, the sister of Petya, Vera and Nikolai. At the end of the novel she becomes the wife of Pierre Bezukhov. This girl is presented as “ugly, but lively,” with a large mouth and black eyes. The prototype for this image was Tolstoy’s wife, as well as her sister T. A. Bers. Natasha is very sensitive and emotional, she can intuitively guess the characters of people, in manifestations of feelings she is sometimes selfish, but most often capable of self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness. We see this, for example, during the transport of the wounded from Moscow, as well as in the episode of the mother’s nursing after Petya died.
One of Natasha’s main advantages is her musicality, beautiful voice. With her singing, she can awaken all the best that is in a person. This is what saves Nikolai from despair after he lost a large sum.
Natasha, constantly getting carried away, lives in an atmosphere of happiness and love. After meeting Prince Andrei, a change occurs in her destiny. The insult inflicted by Bolkonsky (the old prince) pushes this heroine to become infatuated with Kuragin and to refuse Prince Andrei. Only after feeling and experiencing a lot does she realize her guilt before Bolkonsky. But true love this girl feels only for Pierre, whose wife she becomes at the end of the novel.
Sonya
Sonya is the pupil and niece of Count Rostov, who grew up in his family. At the beginning of the work she is 15 years old. This girl fits completely into the Rostov family, she is unusually friendly and close to Natasha, and has been in love with Nikolai since childhood. Sonya is silent, restrained, cautious, reasonable, and has a highly developed ability for self-sacrifice. She attracts attention with her moral purity and beauty, but she does not have the charm and spontaneity that Natasha possesses.
Pierre Bezukhov
Pierre Bezukhov is one of the main characters in the novel. Therefore, without him, the characterization of the heroes ("War and Peace") would be incomplete. Let us briefly describe Pierre Bezukhov. He is illegitimate son count, a famous nobleman who became the heir to a huge fortune and title. In the work he is depicted as a fat, massive young man wearing glasses. This hero is distinguished by a timid, intelligent, natural and observant look. He was raised abroad and appeared in Russia shortly before the start of the 1805 campaign and the death of his father. Pierre is inclined to philosophical reflections, intelligent, kind-hearted and gentle, compassionate towards others. He is also impractical, sometimes subject to passions. Andrey Bolkonsky, his closest friend, characterizes this hero as the only “living person” among all representatives of the world.
Anatol Kuragin
Anatole Kuragin is an officer, brother of Hippolyte and Helen, son of Prince Vasily. Unlike Ippolit, a “calm fool,” his father looks at Anatole as a “restless” fool who must always be rescued from various troubles. This hero is stupid, arrogant, dapper, not eloquent in conversations, depraved, not resourceful, but has confidence. He looks at life as constant fun and pleasure.
Andrey Bolkonsky
Andrei Bolkonsky is one of the main characters in the work, the prince, brother of Princess Marya, son of N. A. Bolkonsky. Described as a "very handsome" young man of "short stature". He is proud, intelligent, and seeks great spiritual and intellectual content in life. Andrey is educated, reserved, practical, and has a strong will. His idol at the beginning of the novel is Napoleon, who will also be introduced to readers just below by our description of the heroes (“War and Peace”). Andrei Balkonsky dreams of imitating him. After participating in the war, he lives in the village, raises his son, and takes care of his household. Then he returns to the army and dies in the Battle of Borodino.
Platon Karataev
Let's imagine this hero of the work "War and Peace". Platon Karataev is a soldier who met Pierre Bezukhov in captivity. In the service he was nicknamed Sokolik. Note that this character was not in the original version of the work. Its appearance was caused by the final design of the image of Pierre in the philosophical concept of “War and Peace”.
When I first met this good-natured affectionate person Pierre was struck by the feeling of something calm emanating from him. This character attracts others with his calmness, kindness, confidence, and smile. After the death of Karataev, thanks to his wisdom, folk philosophy, expressed unconsciously in his behavior, Pierre Bezukhov understands the meaning of existence.
But they are not only depicted in the work “War and Peace”. Characteristics of the heroes include real historical figures. The main ones are Kutuzov and Napoleon. Their images are described in some detail in the work "War and Peace". The characteristics of the heroes we have mentioned are given below.
Kutuzov
Kutuzov in the novel, as in reality, is the commander-in-chief of the Russian army. He is described as a man with a plump face, disfigured by a wound, with He walks heavily, plump, gray-haired. For the first time on the pages of the novel he appears in the episode when the review of troops near Branau is depicted. Impresses everyone with his knowledge of the matter, as well as his attention, which is hidden behind external absent-mindedness. Kutuzov is capable of being diplomatic, he is quite cunning. Before the Battle of Shengraben he blesses Bagration with tears in his eyes. A favorite of military officers and soldiers. He believes that to win the campaign against Napoleon, time and patience are needed, that the matter can be decided not by knowledge, not by intelligence and not by plans, but by something else that does not depend on them, that a person is not able to truly influence the course of history . Kutuzov contemplates the course of events more than interferes with them. However, he knows how to remember everything, listen, see, not interfere with anything useful and not allow anything harmful. This is a modest, simple and therefore majestic figure.
Napoleon
Napoleon is a real historical figure, the French emperor. On the eve of the main events of the novel, he is the idol of Andrei Bolkonsky. Even Pierre Bezukhov bows before the greatness of this man. His confidence and self-satisfaction are expressed in the opinion that his presence plunges people into self-forgetfulness and delight, that everything in the world depends only on his will.
This is brief description heroes in the novel "War and Peace". It can serve as a basis for more detailed analysis. Having turned to the work, you can supplement it if necessary. detailed characteristics heroes. "War and Peace" (volume 1 - introduction of the main characters, subsequent ones - character development) describes in detail each of these characters. Inner world many of them change over time. Therefore, Leo Tolstoy presented the characteristics of the heroes in dynamics ("War and Peace"). Volume 2, for example, reflects their lives between 1806 and 1812. The next two volumes describe further events, their reflection in the fate of the characters.
The characteristics of the heroes are of great importance for understanding such a creation of Leo Tolstoy as the work “War and Peace”. Through them the philosophy of the novel is reflected, the author's ideas and thoughts are conveyed.
- 33.44 KbAnatol Kuragin
He is the son of Prince Vasily, brother of Helen and Hippolyte. Prince Vasily himself looks at his son as a “restless fool” who constantly needs to be rescued from various troubles. A. very handsome, dandy, impudent. He is frankly stupid, not resourceful, but popular in society because “he had both the ability of calm and unchangeable confidence, precious for the world.” A. Dolokhov’s friend, constantly participates in his revelry, looks at life as a constant flow of pleasures and pleasures. He doesn't care about other people, he is selfish. A. treats women with contempt, feeling superior. He was used to being liked by everyone without experiencing anything serious in return. A. became interested in Natasha Rostova and tried to take her away. After this incident, the hero was forced to flee Moscow and hide from Prince Andrei, who wanted to challenge the seducer of his bride to a duel. The last time they see each other is in the infirmary, after the Battle of Borodino. A. was wounded and his leg was amputated.
Andrey Bolkonsky
This is one of the main characters of the novel, the son of Prince Bolkonsky, brother Princess Marya. At the beginning of the novel we see B. as an intelligent, proud, but rather arrogant person. He despises people of high society, is unhappy in his marriage and does not respect his pretty wife. B. is very reserved, well educated, he has strong will. This hero is experiencing great spiritual changes. First we see that his idol is Napoleon, whom he considers a great man. B. gets into war and is sent to the active army. There he fights on an equal basis with all the soldiers, showing great courage, composure, and prudence. Participates in the Battle of Shengraben. B. was seriously wounded in the Battle of Austerlitz. This moment is extremely important, because that’s when it began spiritual rebirth hero. Lying motionless and seeing calm and eternal sky Austerlitz, B. understands the pettiness and stupidity of everything that happens in the war. He realized that in reality there should be completely different values in life than those that he had until now. All exploits and glory do not matter. There is only this vast and eternal sky. In the same episode, B. sees Napoleon and understands the insignificance of this man. B. returns home, where everyone thought he was dead. His wife dies in childbirth, but the child survives. The hero is shocked by the death of his wife and feels guilty towards her. He decides not to serve anymore, settles in Bogucharovo, takes care of the household, raising his son, and reads a lot of books. During a trip to St. Petersburg, B. meets Natasha Rostova for the second time. A deep feeling awakens in him, the heroes decide to get married. B.'s father does not agree with his son's choice, they postpone the wedding for a year, the hero goes abroad. After his fiancee betrays him, he returns to the army under the leadership of Kutuzov. During the Battle of Borodino, he was mortally wounded. By chance, he leaves Moscow in the Rostov convoy. Before his death, he forgives Natasha and understands the true meaning of love.
Anna Pavlovna Sherer
Maid of honor, close to Empress Maria Feodorovna. Sh. is the owner of a fashionable salon in St. Petersburg, the description of the evening in which opens the novel. A.P. 40 years old, she is artificial, like everyone else high society. Her attitude towards any person or event depends entirely on the latest political, courtly or secular considerations. She is friends with Prince Vasily. Sh. is “full of animation and impulse,” “being an enthusiast has become her social status". In 1812, her salon demonstrates false patriotism by eating cabbage soup and fining her for speaking French.
Bagration
This is a real historical person, one of the most famous Russian military leaders, a hero of the Patriotic War of 1812, bears the title of prince. Tolstoy says that B. "is short, with oriental type hard and motionless face, dry, not yet old man". In the novel, we mainly see him as the commander of the Shengraben battle, whom Kutuzov blessed to save the army. Just B.’s presence on the battlefield already helps the soldiers. Everyone loves and respects him for his determination and courage. During the most decisive moment of the battle, B. does not gives visible orders, but dismounts and goes into battle ahead of the entire army. During the Battle of Austerlitz, B. also showed his heroism. He alone repulsed the enemy, who was clearly twice as strong, and then, during the retreat, led his column out of the battlefield undefeated. Tolstoy notes that when a dinner was given in honor of B., in his person “honor was given to a fighting, simple, without connections or intrigue, Russian soldier...”.
German, first the groom, and then the husband of Vera Rostova. This is "a fresh, pink guards officer, immaculately washed, buttoned and combed." At the beginning of the work, B. is a lieutenant, and at the end of the work he becomes a colonel, from which one can see that B. has made a good career. He is precise, calm, courteous, but very selfish and stingy. He loves and can only talk about himself and his successes. Those around him laugh at him; he is a stranger in the Rostov house. They do not understand his prudence and stinginess. B. proposes to Vera and demands the promised dowry from the old count, despite the difficulties financial situation Rostov. This hero is clearly unpleasant and alien to Tolstoy himself.
Boris Drubetskoy
Son of Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya. From childhood he was brought up and lived for a long time in the house of the Rostovs, to whom he was a relative. B. and Natasha were in love with each other. Outwardly, he is “a tall, blond young man with regular, delicate features of a calm and handsome face.” Since his youth, B. has dreamed of a military career and allows his mother to humiliate herself in front of her superiors if it helps him. So, Prince Vasily finds him a place in the guard. B. is going to make a brilliant career and makes many useful contacts. After a while he becomes Helen's lover. B. manages to be in in the right place at the right time, and his career and position are especially firmly established. In 1809 he meets Natasha again and becomes interested in her, even thinking about marrying her. But this would hinder his career. Therefore, B. begins to look for a rich bride. He eventually marries Julie Karagina.
Vasily Kuragin
Prince, father of Helen, Anatole and Hippolyte. This is a very famous and quite influential person in society; he occupies an important court post. Prince V.'s attitude towards everyone around him is condescending and patronizing. The author shows his hero “in a courtly, embroidered uniform, in stockings, shoes, with stars, with a bright expression on a flat face,” with a “perfumed and shining bald head.” But when he smiled, there was “something unexpectedly rude and unpleasant” in his smile. Prince V. specifically does not wish harm on anyone. He simply uses people and circumstances to carry out his plans. V. always strives to get closer to people who are richer and higher in position than him. The hero considers himself an exemplary father; he does everything possible to arrange the future of his children. He is trying to marry his son Anatole to the rich princess Marya Bolkonskaya. After the death of the old Prince Bezukhov and Pierre receiving a huge inheritance, V. notices a rich groom and cunningly marries his daughter Helene to him. Prince V. is a great intriguer who knows how to live in society and make acquaintances with the right people.
Count Rostov
Rostov Ilya Andreevi - count, father of Natasha, Nikolai, Vera and Petya. A very good-natured, generous person, loving life and not very good at calculating his funds. R. is capable of hosting a reception or a ball better than anyone; he is a hospitable host and an exemplary family man. The count is accustomed to living in grand style, and when his means no longer allow this, he gradually ruins his family, from which he suffers greatly. When leaving Moscow, it is R. who begins to give carts for the wounded. So he deals one of the last blows to the family budget. The death of Petya's son finally broke the count; he comes to life only when he prepares a wedding for Natasha and Pierre. In the same year, R. dies and leaves behind a good memory.
Countess of Rostov
The wife of Count Rostov, “a woman with an oriental type of thin face, about forty-five years old, apparently exhausted by children... The slowness of her movements and speech, resulting from weakness of strength, gave her a significant appearance that inspires respect.” R. creates an atmosphere of love and kindness in his family and is very concerned about the fate of his children. The news of the death of her youngest and beloved son Petya almost drives her crazy. She is accustomed to luxury and fulfillment of the slightest whims, and demands this after the death of her husband.
The author describes Fyodor Dolokhov as follows: “Dolokhov was a man of average height, curly haired and with light, blue eyes. He was about twenty-five years old. He did not wear a mustache, like all infantry officers, and his mouth, the most striking feature of his face, was all visible. The lines of this mouth were remarkably thinly curved. In the middle, the upper lip fell energetically onto the strong lower lip. sharp wedge, and in the corners something like two smiles constantly formed, one on each side; and all together, and especially in combination with a firm, insolent, intelligent look, it created such an impression that it was impossible not to notice this face." This hero is not rich, but he knows how to position himself in such a way that everyone around him respects and is afraid of him. He loves to have fun , and in a rather strange and sometimes cruel way. For one case of bullying a police officer, D. was demoted to the ranks of soldiers, but during military operations he regained his rank of officer. He is reputed to be an intelligent, brave and cold-blooded man. an evil person, hides his tender love for his mother. In fact, D. does not want to know anyone except those he really loves. He divides people into harmful and useful, sees mostly harmful people around him and is ready to get rid of them if they suddenly get in his way. D. was Helene's lover, he provokes Pierre into a duel, dishonestly beats Nikolai Rostov at cards, and helps Anatole arrange an escape with Natasha.
Captain Tushin
This is the staff captain, the hero of the Battle of Shengraben. T. is a short man with a thin voice; there was something “non-military, somewhat comical, but extremely attractive” about him. This hero is shy in front of his superiors, feels guilty and small. On the eve of the battle, T. talks about the fear of death and what awaits after it. But during the battle the hero is transformed. He feels like “a huge, powerful man who throws cannonballs at the French with both hands.” Battery T. was forgotten during the battle. During the battle, the staff captain is no longer afraid of death or injury, he becomes more and more cheerful, the soldiers obey him like children. The soldiers miraculously survive thanks to T.'s heroism.
Princess Marya
Daughter of old Prince Bolkonsky and sister of Andrei Bolkonsky. M. is ugly and sickly, but her whole face is transformed beautiful eyes: "... the princess's eyes, large, deep and radiant (as if rays warm light sometimes they came out of them in sheaves), they were so beautiful that very often, despite the ugliness of the whole face, these eyes became more attractive than beauty." Princess M. is distinguished by her great religiosity. She often receives all kinds of pilgrims and wanderers. She has no close friends , she lives under the yoke of her father, whom she loves but is incredibly afraid of. Old Prince Bolkonsky had a bad character, M. was absolutely overwhelmed by him and did not believe in her personal happiness at all. She gives all her love to her father, brother Andrey and his son, trying to replace little Nikolenka deceased mother. M.'s life changes after meeting Nikolai Rostov. It was he who saw all the wealth and beauty of her soul. They get married, M. becomes a devoted wife, completely sharing all the views of her husband.
Kuragina Elen
Kuragina Helen is the daughter of Prince Vasily, and then the wife of Pierre Bezukhov. A brilliant St. Petersburg beauty with an “unchanging smile”, white full shoulders, glossy hair and a beautiful figure. There was no noticeable coquetry in her, as if she was ashamed “of her undoubtedly and too powerfully and victoriously acting beauty.” E. is unperturbed, giving everyone the right to admire herself, which is why she feels, as it were, a gloss from many other people’s glances. She knows how to be silently worthy in the world, giving the impression of a tactful and intelligent woman, which, combined with beauty, ensures her constant success. Having married Pierre Bezukhov, the heroine reveals to her husband not only limited intelligence, coarseness of thought and vulgarity, but also cynical depravity. After breaking up with Pierre and receiving a large part of the fortune from him by proxy, she lives either in St. Petersburg, then abroad, or returns to her husband. Despite the family breakup, the constant change of lovers, including Dolokhov and Drubetskoy, E. continues to remain one of the most famous and favored ladies of the St. Petersburg society. She is making very great progress in the world; Living alone, she becomes the mistress of a diplomatic and political salon and gains a reputation as an intelligent woman. Having decided to convert to Catholicism and considering the possibility of divorce and a new marriage, entangled between two very influential high-ranking lovers and patrons, E. dies in 1812.
A real historical figure, commander-in-chief of the Russian army. For Tolstoy, he is the ideal of a historical figure and the ideal of a person. “He will listen to everything, remember everything, put everything in its place, will not interfere with anything useful and will not allow anything harmful. He understands that there is something stronger and more significant than his will - this is the inevitable course of events, and he knows how to see them, knows how to understand their meaning and, in view of this meaning, knows how to renounce participation in these events, from his personal will aimed at something else.” K. knew that “the fate of the battle is decided not by the orders of the commander-in-chief, not by the place where the troops stand, not by the number of guns and killed people, but by that elusive force called the spirit of the army, and he followed this force and led it, as far as it was in his power." K. blends in with the people, he is always modest and simple. His behavior is natural; the author constantly emphasizes his heaviness and senile weakness. K. is the exponent of folk wisdom in the novel. His strength lies in the fact that he understands and knows well what worries the people, and acts in accordance with it. K. dies when he has fulfilled his duty. The enemy has been driven beyond the borders of Russia; this folk hero has nothing more to do.
Lisa Bolkonskaya
Prince Andrei's wife. She is the darling of the whole world, an attractive young woman whom everyone calls “the little princess.” “Her pretty upper lip, with a slightly blackened mustache, was short in the teeth, but the more sweetly it opened and even more sweetly it sometimes stretched out and fell onto the lower one. As always happens with quite attractive women, her shortcoming - short lips and half-open mouth - seemed “It was her special beauty that made everyone happy to look at this pretty future mother, full of health and vivacity, who endured her situation so easily.” L. was everyone’s favorite thanks to her constant liveliness and courtesy of a society woman; she could not imagine her life without high society. But Prince Andrei did not love his wife and felt unhappy in his marriage. L. does not understand her husband, his aspirations and ideals. After Andrei leaves for the war, L. lives in the Bald Mountains with the old Prince Bolkonsky, for whom he feels fear and hostility. L. has a presentiment of his imminent death and actually dies during childbirth.
Napoleon
This is a real historical figure, the French emperor. Tolstoy decided to debunk the legend of Napoleon from the standpoint of true humanism. At the beginning of the novel, this man is the idol of Andrei Bolkonsky; Pierre Bezukhov considers N. a Great Man. But gradually these best heroes of Tolstoy become disillusioned with their idol.
Job Description
Anatol Kuragin
He is the son of Prince Vasily, brother of Helen and Hippolyte. Prince Vasily himself looks at his son as a “restless fool” who constantly needs to be rescued from various troubles. A. very handsome, dandy, impudent. He is frankly stupid, not resourceful, but popular in society because “he had both the ability of calm and unchangeable confidence, precious for the world.” A. Dolokhov’s friend, constantly participates in his revelry, looks at life as a constant flow of pleasures and pleasures.
In his novel, Tolstoy depicted a whole series heroes. It is not for nothing that the author presents a detailed description of the characters. "War and Peace" is a novel in which the components of wholes noble families, show the reader a reflection of people who lived during the war with Napoleon. In "War and Peace" we see the Russian spirit, the features of historical events characteristic of the period of the late 18th - early 19th centuries. The greatness of the Russian soul is shown against the background of these events.
If you make a list of characters ("War and Peace"), you will only get about 550-600 heroes. However, they are not all equally important to the narrative. "War and Peace" is a novel whose characters can be divided into three main groups: main, minor characters and simply mentioned in the text. Among them there are both fictional and historical figures, as well as heroes who have prototypes among the writer’s circle. This article will introduce the main characters. "War and Peace" is a work in which the Rostov family is described in detail. So let's start with it.
Ilya Andreevich Rostov
This is a count who had four children: Petya, Nikolai, Vera and Natasha. Ilya Andreevich is a very generous and kind-hearted person who loved life. As a result, his excessive generosity led to wastefulness. Rostov - loving father and husband He is a good organizer of receptions and balls. But living in grand style, as well as selfless help to wounded soldiers and the departure of Russians from Moscow, took a toll on his condition. fatal blows. Ilya Andreevich’s conscience constantly tormented him because of the approaching poverty of his relatives, but he could not help himself. After Petya's death, youngest son, the count turned out to be broken, but perked up, preparing the wedding of Pierre Bezukhov and Natasha. Count Rostov dies a few months after these characters get married. “War and Peace” (Tolstoy) is a work in which the prototype of this hero is Ilya Andreevich, Tolstoy’s grandfather.
Natalya Rostova (wife of Ilya Andreevich)
This 45-year-old woman, the wife of Rostov and the mother of four children, had some oriental. Those around her regarded the focus of sedateness and slowness in her as solidity, as well as her high significance for the family. However the real reason these manners lies in the weak and exhausted physical condition because of childbirth and the energy devoted to raising children. Natalya loves her family and children very much, so she was almost driven crazy by the news of Petya’s death. Countess Rostova, like Ilya Andreevich, loved luxury and demanded that everyone follow her orders. In her you can find the features of Tolstoy’s grandmother, Pelageya Nikolaevna.
Nikolay Rostov
This hero is the son of Ilya Andreevich. He is loving son and brother, respects his family, but at the same time faithfully serves in the army, which is very important and significant feature in his characteristics. He often saw even his fellow soldiers as a second family. Even though Nikolai was in love for a long time to Sonya, his cousin, nevertheless marries Marya Bolkonskaya at the end of the novel. Nikolai Rostov is a very energetic man, with open and curly hair. His love for the Russian emperor and patriotism never dried up. Having gone through the hardships of the war, Nikolai becomes a brave and courageous hussar. He retires after the death of Ilya Andreevich in order to improve financial situation of the family, pay off debts and finally become good husband for your wife. Tolstoy sees this hero as a prototype of his own father. As you have probably already noticed, the presence of prototypes in many heroes characterizes the character system. "War and Peace" is a work in which the morals of the nobility are presented through the features of the family of Tolstoy, who was a count.
Natasha Rostova
This is the Rostovs' daughter. A very emotional and energetic girl who was considered ugly, but attractive and lively. Natasha is not very smart, but at the same time she is intuitive, as she could “guess people” well, their character traits and mood. This heroine is very impetuous and prone to self-sacrifice. She dances and sings beautifully, which was the case at that time important characteristic a girl belonging to a secular society. Leo Tolstoy repeatedly emphasizes Natasha's main quality - closeness to the Russian people. It absorbed nations and Russian culture. Natasha lives in an atmosphere of love, happiness and kindness, but after a while the girl is faced with harsh reality. Blows of fate, as well as heartfelt experiences, make this heroine an adult and ultimately give her true love for her husband, Pierre Bezukhov. The story of the rebirth of Natasha’s soul deserves special respect. She began attending church after becoming the victim of a deceitful seducer. Natasha is collective image, the prototype of which was Tolstoy’s daughter-in-law, Tatyana Andreevna Kuzminskaya, as well as her sister (the author’s wife) Sofya Andreevna.
Vera Rostova
This heroine is the daughter of the Rostovs ("War and Peace"). The character portraits created by the author are distinguished by their diversity of characters. Vera, for example, was famous for her strict disposition, as well as for the inappropriate, although fair, remarks she made in society. Her mother, for some unknown reason, did not love her very much, and Vera felt this acutely, and therefore often went against everyone. This girl later became the wife of Boris Drubetsky. The prototype of the heroine is Lev Nikolaevich (Elizabeth Bers).
Peter Rostov
The Rostovs' son is still just a boy. Petya, growing up, was eager to go to war as a young man, and his parents could not stop him. He escaped from their tutelage and joined Denisov’s regiment. In the very first battle, Petya dies before he has even had time to fight. The death of their beloved son greatly devastated the family.
Sonya
With this heroine we finish the description of the characters ("War and Peace") belonging to the Rostov family. Sonya, a nice miniature girl, was Ilya Andreevich’s own niece and lived her whole life under his roof. Love for Nikolai became fatal for her, since she failed to marry him. Natalya Rostova, the old countess, was against this marriage, since the lovers were cousins. Sonya acted nobly, refusing Dolokhov and deciding to love only Nikolai all her life, freeing him from the promise given to her. She spends the rest of her life in the care of Nikolai Rostov, under the old countess.
The prototype of this heroine is Tatyana Aleksandrovna Ergolskaya, the writer’s second cousin.
Not only the Rostovs in the work are the main characters. "War and Peace" is a novel in which the Bolkonsky family also plays a large role.
Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky
This is the father of Andrei Bolkonsky, general-in-chief in the past, but in the present - a prince who has earned a nickname in Russian secular society"Prussian king" He is socially active, strict like a father, pedantic, and a wise owner of the estate. Outwardly, he is a thin old man with thick eyebrows that hang over intelligent and penetrating eyes, wearing a powdered white wig. Nikolai Andreevich does not like to show his feelings even to his beloved daughter and son. He torments Marya with constant nagging. Prince Nikolai, sitting on his estate, follows the events taking place in the country, and only before his death he loses the idea of the scale of the Russian war with Napoleon. Nikolai Sergeevich Volkonsky, the writer’s grandfather, was the prototype of this prince.
Andrey Bolkonsky
This is the son of Nikolai Andreevich. He is ambitious, like his father, and is reserved in expressing his feelings, but he loves his sister and father very much. Andrei is married to Lisa, the “little princess.” He made a successful military career. Andrey philosophizes a lot about the meaning of life, the state of his spirit. He is in constant search. In Natasha Rostova, after the death of his wife, he found hope for himself, because he saw a real, and not a fake, as in secular society, girl, and therefore fell in love with her. Having proposed to this heroine, he was forced to go abroad for treatment, which became a test of their feelings. The wedding ended up being cancelled. Andrei went to war with Napoleon, where he was seriously wounded and died as a result. Until the end of his days, Natasha devotedly looked after him.
Marya Bolkonskaya
This is Andrei's sister, daughter of Prince Nikolai. She is very meek, ugly, but kind-hearted and also very rich. Her devotion to religion serves as an example of meekness and kindness to many. Marya unforgettably loves her father, who often pesters her with his reproaches and ridicule. This girl also loves her brother. She did not immediately accept Natasha as her future daughter-in-law, since she seemed too frivolous for Andrei. After all the hardships, Marya marries Nikolai Rostov.
Its prototype is Maria Nikolaevna Volkonskaya, Tolstoy’s mother.
Pierre Bezukhov (Peter Kirillovich)
The main characters of the novel "War and Peace" would not be fully listed if Pierre Bezukhov were not mentioned. This hero plays one of the critical roles. He has experienced a lot of pain and mental trauma, and has a noble and kind disposition. Lev Nikolaevich himself loves Pierre very much. Bezukhov, as a friend of Andrei Bolkonsky, is very responsive and devoted. Despite the intrigues weaving under his nose, Pierre did not lose trust in people and did not become embittered. By marrying Natasha, he finally found the happiness and grace that he lacked with his first wife, Helen. At the end of the work, his desire to change the political foundations in Russia is noticeable; one can even guess from afar Pierre’s Decembrist sentiments.
These are the main characters. "War and Peace" is a novel in which big role is given to such historical figures, like Kutuzov and Napoleon, as well as some other commanders-in-chief. Others are presented social groups, except for the nobility (merchants, burghers, peasantry, army). The list of characters ("War and Peace") is quite impressive. However, our task is to consider only the main characters.
"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy - not just classic novel, but the real one heroic epic, the literary value of which is incomparable to any other work. The writer himself considered it a poem where privacy of a person is inseparable from the history of an entire country.
It took Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy seven years to perfect his novel. Back in 1863, the writer more than once discussed plans to create a large-scale literary canvas with his father-in-law A.E. Bersom. In September of the same year, the father of Tolstoy’s wife sent a letter from Moscow, where he mentioned the writer’s idea. Historians consider this date official start working on the epic. A month later, Tolstoy writes to his relative that all his time and attention is occupied by new novel, which he thinks about like never before.
History of creation
The writer's original idea was to create a work about the Decembrists, who spent 30 years in exile and returned home. The starting point described in the novel was supposed to be 1856. But then Tolstoy changed his plans, deciding to depict everything from the beginning of the Decembrist uprising of 1825. And this was not destined to come true: the writer’s third idea was the desire to describe the hero’s young years, which coincided with large-scale historical events: the War of 1812. The final version was the period from 1805. The circle of heroes was also expanded: the events in the novel cover the history of many individuals who went through all the hardships of different historical periods in the life of the country.
The title of the novel had several variations. “Workers” was the name “Three Times”: the youth of the Decembrists during the period Patriotic War 1812; The Decembrist uprising of 1825 and the 50s of the 19th century, when several events occurred at once important events in the history of Russia - Crimean War, the passing of Nicholas I, the return of amnestied Decembrists from Siberia. In the final version, the writer decided to focus on the first stage, since writing a novel, even on such a scale, required a lot of effort and time. So, instead of an ordinary work, a whole epic was born, which has no analogues in world literature.
Tolstoy devoted the entire autumn and early winter of 1856 to writing the beginning of War and Peace. Already at this time, he tried more than once to quit his job, because in his opinion it was impossible to convey the entire plan on paper. Historians say that in the writer’s archive there were fifteen versions of the beginning of the epic. In the process of work, Lev Nikolaevich tried to find answers for himself to questions about the role of man in history. He had to study many chronicles, documents, materials describing the events of 1812. The confusion in the writer’s head was caused by the fact that all information sources gave different assessments of both Napoleon and Alexander I. Then Tolstoy decided to move away from the subjective statements of strangers and display in the novel his own assessment of events, based on true facts. From diverse sources he borrowed documentary materials, notes from contemporaries, newspaper and magazine articles, letters from generals, and archival documents of the Rumyantsev Museum.
(Prince Rostov and Akhrosimova Marya Dmitrievna)
Considering it necessary to visit the scene of events, Tolstoy spent two days in Borodino. It was important for him to personally tour the place where large-scale and tragic events. He even personally made sketches of the sun on the field during different periods days.
The trip gave the writer the opportunity to experience the spirit of history in a new way; became a kind of inspiration for further work. For seven years, the work proceeded with elation and “burning.” The manuscripts consisted of more than 5,200 sheets. Therefore, War and Peace is easy to read even after a century and a half.
Analysis of the novel
Description
(Napoleon is thoughtful before the battle)
The novel “War and Peace” touches on a sixteen-year period in Russian history. The starting date is 1805, the final date is 1821. The work contains more than 500 characters. It's like real existing people, and fictitious by the writer to make the description colorful.
(Kutuzov, before the Battle of Borodino, considers a plan)
The novel intertwines two main storylines: historical events in Russia and personal life heroes. Real historical figures are mentioned in the description of the Austerlitz, Shengraben, Borodino battles; capture of Smolensk and surrender of Moscow. More than 20 chapters are devoted specifically to the Battle of Borodino, as the main decisive event of 1812.
(The illustration shows an episode of Natasha Rostova's Ball from their film "War and Peace" 1967.)
In opposition to “wartime,” the writer describes the personal world of people and everything that surrounds them. Heroes fall in love, quarrel, make peace, hate, suffer... In the confrontation between different characters, Tolstoy shows the difference in moral principles individuals. The writer is trying to tell that various events can change one’s worldview. One complete picture The work consists of three hundred thirty-three chapters of 4 volumes and another twenty-eight chapters located in the epilogue.
First volume
The events of 1805 are described. The “peaceful” part touches on life in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The writer introduces the reader to the society of the main characters. The “military” part is the Battle of Austerlitz and Shengraben. Tolstoy concludes the first volume with a description of how military defeats affected peaceful life characters.
Second volume
(Natasha Rostova's first ball)
This is a completely “peaceful” part of the novel, which affected the lives of the heroes in the period 1806-1811: the birth of Andrei Bolkonsky’s love for Natasha Rostova; Freemasonry of Pierre Bezukhov, Karagin's kidnapping of Natasha Rostova, Bolkonsky's refusal to marry Natasha. The volume concludes with a description of a formidable omen: the appearance of a comet, which is a symbol of great upheaval.
Third volume
(The illustration shows an episode of Borodinsky's battle in the film "War and Peace" 1967.)
In this part of the epic, the writer turns to wartime: Napoleon’s invasion, the surrender of Moscow, Battle of Borodino. On the battlefield the main male characters novel: Bolkonsky, Kuragin, Bezukhov, Dolokhov... The end of the volume is the capture of Pierre Bezukhov, who staged an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Napoleon.
Volume four
(After the battle, the wounded arrive in Moscow)
The “military” part is a description of the victory over Napoleon and the shameful retreat of the French army. Affects writer and period guerrilla warfare after 1812. All this is intertwined with the “peaceful” destinies of the heroes: Andrei Bolkonsky and Helen pass away; love arises between Nikolai and Marya; think about life together Natasha Rostova and Pierre Bezukhov. And the main character of the volume is the Russian soldier Platon Karataev, through whose words Tolstoy tries to convey all the wisdom of the common people.
Epilogue
This part is devoted to describing the changes in the lives of the heroes seven years after 1812. Natasha Rostova is married to Pierre Bezukhov; Nikolai and Marya found their happiness; Bolkonsky’s son Nikolenka has matured. In the epilogue the author reflects on the role individuals in the history of an entire country, and tries to show the historical relationships between events and human destinies.
The main characters of the novel
More than 500 characters are mentioned in the novel. The author tried to describe the most important of them as accurately as possible, endowing them with special features not only of character, but also of appearance:
Andrei Bolkonsky is a prince, the son of Nikolai Bolkonsky. Constantly searching for the meaning of life. Tolstoy describes him as handsome, reserved and with “dry” features. He has a strong will. Dies as a result of a wound received at Borodino.
Marya Bolkonskaya - princess, sister of Andrei Bolkonsky. Inconspicuous appearance and radiant eyes; piety and concern for relatives. In the novel, she marries Nikolai Rostov.
Natasha Rostova is the daughter of Count Rostov. In the first volume of the novel she is only 12 years old. Tolstoy describes her as not quite a girl beautiful appearance(black eyes, big mouth), but at the same time “alive”. Her inner beauty attracts men. Even Andrei Bolkonsky is ready to fight for your hand and heart. At the end of the novel she marries Pierre Bezukhov.
Sonya
Sonya is the niece of Count Rostov. In contrast to her cousin Natasha, she is beautiful in appearance, but much poorer mentally.
Pierre Bezukhov is the son of Count Kirill Bezukhov. An awkward, massive figure, kind and at the same time strong character. He can be stern, or he can become a child. He is interested in Freemasonry. Tries to change the lives of peasants and influence large-scale events. Initially married to Helen Kuragina. At the end of the novel he takes Natasha Rostova as his wife.
Helen Kuragina is the daughter of Prince Kuragin. Beauty, prominent socialite. She married Pierre Bezukhov. Changeable, cold. Died as a result of an abortion.
Nikolai Rostov is the son of Count Rostov and Natasha's brother. Successor of the family and defender of the Fatherland. He took part in military campaigns. He married Marya Bolkonskaya.
Fyodor Dolokhov is an officer, a participant in the partisan movement, as well as a big reveler and lover of ladies.
Countess of Rostov
Countess Rostov - parents of Nikolai, Natasha, Vera, Petya. Revered married couple, an example to follow.
Nikolai Bolkonsky is a prince, the father of Marya and Andrei. In Catherine's time, a significant personality.
The author pays much attention to the description of Kutuzov and Napoleon. The commander appears before us as smart, unfeigned, kind and philosophical. Napoleon is described as a small, fat man with an unpleasantly fake smile. At the same time, it is somewhat mysterious and theatrical.
Analysis and conclusion
In the novel “War and Peace” the writer tries to convey to the reader “ popular thought" Its essence is that everyone positive hero has its own connection with the nation.
Tolstoy moved away from the principle of telling a novel in the first person. The assessment of characters and events occurs through monologues and author's digressions. At the same time, the writer leaves the right to the reader to evaluate what is happening. A striking example The scene of the Battle of Borodino, shown both from the side, can serve as a similar example. historical facts, so subjective opinion hero of the novel by Pierre Bezukhov. The writer does not forget about the bright historical figure- General Kutuzov.
The main idea of the novel lies not only in revealing historical events, but also in the opportunity to understand that you need to love, believe and live under any circumstances.
