War and Peace · Character
Berg
Also known as Lieutenant Berg, Alphonse Kárlovich, von Berg
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 12
Berg presents himself with immaculate care: fresh-faced, rosy, and buttoned so neatly he seems to have made an art of composure. A pipe poised at his handsome mouth and a practiced, courteous manner give him an appealing polish—and leave you wondering what lies beneath it.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- young adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 12
- Books
- 1
Berg begins as a young Guards officer whose neatness and social attentiveness distinguish him, and he rises through military service to become Colonel Berg. His polished manners and careful ambition shape his place in society as much as his uniform does. He marries Véra, and their household reflects the same orderly, self-conscious respectability he cultivates in public. Even when wounded, with his right hand bandaged, Berg remains intent on presenting himself as composed and correct.
Description
Berg is a young man with a fresh, rosy complexion, red lips, and a handsome mouth. He keeps himself impeccably washed, brushed, and buttoned, with his hair brushed upward at the temples; his carefully arranged appearance gives him an air of studied neatness. He is commonly seen in a clean military uniform, often with a pipe held between his lips or resting between his knees. In one described appearance his right hand is wounded and wrapped in a handkerchief, while he holds his sword in his left.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- CI
Count Ilyá Andréevich Rostóvfather-in-law and son-in-law
Berg visits his father-in-law and asks to use one of the Rostovs’ carts to transport furniture. The count refuses to decide on his own and directs him to ask the countess.
- CN
Countess Natalya Rostóvamother-in-law and son-in-law
Berg treats the countess respectfully as his mother-in-law, but his request for a cart comes amid the family’s dispute over aiding wounded soldiers.
Natásha Rostóvasister-in-law and brother-in-law
Berg is Natasha’s brother-in-law through his marriage to her sister Vera. Natasha reacts with anger when he asks to borrow a cart for furniture while wounded soldiers need transport.
- VR
Véra Rostóvahusband and wife
Berg and Véra are married and host a carefully arranged social gathering together. Each privately regards the other as limited, while both take satisfaction in their own social standing.
- BD
Borís Drubetskóicomrades and quarters-mates
They marched and were quartered together with the Guards. Borís regards Berg as a pleasant, honest fellow, while Berg supports Borís’s success.
Nicholas Rostóvfellow officer and acquaintance
Berg proudly reports his hand wound and his conduct at the front to Rostóv, who is too focused on his mission to stay and listen.
Pierre Bezúkhovsocial acquaintance; Berg solicits him as a guest
Berg invites Pierre to his party, valuing the prestige of his attendance and treating the visit as evidence of his skill at making useful acquaintances.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskifellow officers
Berg encounters Prince Andrew during the visit to Borís’s quarters and politely asks him about a rumored increase in company commanders’ forage allowance.
- TG
The generalmilitary superior and subordinate
The general is an important guest at Berg’s gathering, admires the apartment, and exercises authority while organizing the card table.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Appearances
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