War and Peace · Character
Captain Túshin
Also known as Tushin, Little Túshin
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 42
Captain Túshin seems almost swallowed by the bustle around him: slight, awkward, and softly spoken, with eyes that hold more warmth and intelligence than his hesitant manner first lets on. There is a shy kindness about him, and the faint curl of pipe smoke makes his quiet presence oddly memorable.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 42
- Books
- 1
Túshin begins as an unassuming artillery captain, easy for louder men to overlook, but his modesty conceals a steady courage and a clear understanding of what is happening around him. In battle, he and his guns hold their ground with remarkable resolve, though others fail to give him the recognition he deserves. Prince Andrei’s defense of him briefly brings his service into view, while Túshin himself remains disarmingly humble. His story leaves the impression of quiet valor: a small, kind man whose actions speak far louder than his voice.
Description
Túshin is short and slight, with a round-shouldered posture and a thin, somewhat worn appearance. His pale, kind face is marked by large, intelligent eyes, and he often wears a shy, uncertain smile. A short pipe rests at the corner of his mouth; his clothing is that of a modest, weathered artillery officer, sometimes shabby and dusty, with an empty sleeve. He carries himself awkwardly but gently, his soft presence at odds with the resolve in his gaze.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Nicholas Rostóvformer comrades
Túshin recognizes Rostóv from the campaign at Schön Grabern, where he gave him a lift, and welcomes him in the hospital.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiconflicting source relationships
Andrew personally helps Túshin withdraw the remaining guns under fire, defends his conduct before Bagratión, and receives Túshin’s grateful farewell.
- NO
Number Oneartillery crew members
Number One works the gun under Túshin’s command, handling the mop and helping to reload and reposition the cannon.
- NT
Number Twoartillery crew members
Number Two serves on Túshin’s gun crew, placing a charge in the cannon as the battery fires.
- PP
Prince Pyotr Ivánovich Bagratióncommander and subordinate
Bagratión’s command structure includes Túshin’s battery. He later questions Túshin about the abandoned guns, but dismisses him after Prince Andrew explains the battery’s contribution.
- VD
Vasíli Dmítrich Denísovhospital neighbor and adviser
Túshin listens to Denísov’s case and urges him to submit a petition for pardon, arguing that he should accept practical help rather than persist in defiance.
- Z
Zakharchénkoartillery captain and respected sergeant major
Túshin consults Zakharchénko before deciding to fire incendiary balls at Schön Grabern, and holds the sergeant major in great respect.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
Appearances
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