Anatole Kurágin

Also known as Prince Anatole, Prince Anatole Kurágin, Monsieur Kurágin

Supporting
First seen · Book 1

A handsome young man of about twenty-seven, short in stature, with a fresh, rosy face, dark eyebrows, a snub nose, and large, prominent, glittering eyes. His light-brown hair is curled, carefully pomaded, and sometimes dusted with snow. He wears an elegant, well-fitted military officer’s uniform with a high collar, epaulets, sword, and spurs, carrying himself with a jaunty, self-assured swagger and his head held high.

Gender: male
Age: young
First appears: Book 1
Books: 1

Description

A strikingly handsome man with a large, open face, prominent large eyes, dark eyebrows, red lips, and light-brown hair that is curled, pomaded, and sometimes powdered. He has rosy cheeks and a fresh, rosy complexion, and carries himself with a self-assured, jaunty swagger. He is seen in a military uniform, sometimes unbuttoned; at formal appearances he wears an adjutant’s uniform with one epaulet and a shoulder knot.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

HK
Hélène Kuráginasame person as Hélène Kurágina
Hélène, Anatole’s sister, uses her social position to bring him and Natásha together and hosts the gathering where their courtship intensifies.
MB
Mademoiselle Bourienneflirtation and attempted seduction
Anatole is attracted to Bourienne and secretly embraces her in the conservatory. Bourienne hopes he will carry her off and marry her, though the episode ends without a marriage.
PV
Prince Vasíli Kuráginfather and son
Anatole is identified as Prince Vasíli’s son. In this passage, their relationship is not directly active, but Anatole’s family connection is part of the background to his conduct and standing.
Natásha Rostóvaconflicting source relationships
Natásha notices Anatole among the fashionable guests, but he looks at her without interest while talking to his partner.
PL
Princess Lise Bolkónskayasocial acquaintances
Lise welcomes Anatole into the family gathering and playfully draws him into invented shared reminiscences; no deeper attachment is established.
Princess Mary Bolkónskayaconflicting source relationships
Julie informs Mary that Anatole’s family is considering her as a wealthy bride for him, hoping marriage will reform his dissolute conduct; Mary says she will accept marriage as a duty if it is required of her.
B
Balagápatron and troyka driver
Balagá has served Anatole and Dólokhov for years, driving them recklessly and risking his own safety. He is loyal to them and agrees to drive Anatole for the planned elopement.
FI
Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovold comrades and associates
They renew their association in Moscow. Anatole sincerely admires Dólokhov, while Dólokhov exploits Anatole’s name and connections to draw wealthy men into his gambling circle and enjoys controlling him.
JK
Julie Karáginapotential marriage match
Prince Vasíli sends Anatole to Moscow to seek a wealthy marriage and indicates Julie as a possible match. Julie later turns her attention to him, prompting Borís to propose.
K
Khvóstikovpaid accomplice and mock-marriage witness
Khvóstikov is recruited by Dólokhov as a witness for the sham marriage and is allotted money for his part in the plan.
M
Makéevdevoted companion and mock-marriage witness
Makéev has an unbounded affection for Anatole and accompanies him as a witness for the planned clandestine marriage.
M
Matrëshkalover or intimate companion
Before the planned elopement, Anatole says farewell to the gypsy woman Matrëshka and kisses her, suggesting an existing intimate connection.
PN
Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónskiprospective son-in-law and prospective father-in-law
Anatole visits as a possible husband for Mary. The old prince questions and scrutinizes him, finds his answers and manner wanting, and later leaves the choice to Mary.
Pierre Bezúkhovconflicting source relationships
Pierre confronts Anatole after learning that he has pursued Natásha and tried to elope with her, demanding that Anatole leave Moscow.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiformer adversary
Anatole’s attempted elopement with Natásha helped destroy Andrew’s engagement and left Andrew deeply hostile toward him. Seeing Anatole wounded and suffering, Andrew responds with pity and love rather than hatred.