War and Peace · Character
Count Ilyá Andréevich Rostóv
Also known as Count Ilya Andreich Rostov, old count Rostóv, Ilya Andreyevich Rostóv
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 9
An elderly, portly Russian aristocrat with a broad, round, clean-shaven face, a bald crown, and scanty gray hair swept over the bald patch, with spare locks at his temples. His cheeks and face tend to flush, and his moist eyes and genial smile give him a warm, jovial expression. He wears elegant early nineteenth-century aristocratic clothing, including a coat or dressing gown at home and a fur coat outdoors; on a festive occasion he appears in an old-fashioned military uniform.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- middle-aged
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 9
- Books
- 1
Description
An elderly, portly Russian aristocrat with a broad, round, clean-shaven face, a bald crown, and scanty gray hair swept over the bald patch, with spare locks at his temples. His cheeks and face tend to flush, and his moist eyes and genial smile give him a warm, jovial expression. He wears elegant early nineteenth-century aristocratic clothing, including a coat or dressing gown at home and a fur coat outdoors; on a festive occasion he appears in an old-fashioned military uniform. The text describes Count Ilya Andreich Rostov as an elderly, kindly man but supplies no more precise physical details. His height, build, complexion, hair, eyes, facial features, and clothing are not specified. His gentle manner is the clearest impression of his presence.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- CN
Countess Natalya Rostóvahusband and wife
The count and countess manage the family’s preparations to leave Moscow. The count handles rumors and hurried orders, while the countess is consumed by fear for her sons.
Natásha Rostóvafather and daughter
The count is devoted to Natásha and distressed by her broken engagement and illness. He senses that something serious has happened but avoids pressing her or learning the disgraceful details.
Nicholas Rostóvfather and son
Nicholas confesses his 43,000-ruble gambling debt to his father. The old count is shocked but tries to find a way to raise the money; Nicholas weeps and asks forgiveness.
- PR
Pétya Rostovson and father
Petya presses his father to let him enlist; after initially refusing, the count finally consents and investigates a comparatively safe posting.
Alexander I of Russialoyal subject and sovereign
The count expresses fervent devotion to the Emperor, saying the family will sacrifice everything if the sovereign commands it, and later volunteers men for the war.
Pierre Bezúkhovconflicting source relationships
Pierre is a trusted visitor in the Rostov household; the count welcomes him warmly and observes that Natasha brightens when he comes.
Princess Mary Bolkónskayahost and guest
The old count welcomes Mary to his home in Yaroslavl, though his distress and disorientation leave him less self-assured than before.
- FI
Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovdebtor and creditor
After Dólokhov wins 43,000 rubles from Nicholas, the old count must raise the money. Nicholas eventually pays Dólokhov in full.
- MD
Márya Dmítrievna Akhrosímovatrusted family ally
Márya Dmítrievna advises the count about Natásha and takes responsibility for safeguarding her in Moscow. She conceals the attempted elopement from him because she knows how deeply it would distress him.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
Appearances
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