War and Peace · Character
Count Kiríl Vladímirovich Bezúkhov
Also known as Cyril Vladímirovich Bezúkhov, Count Cyril, Cyril Vladímirovich
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 1
Even in illness, the old count carries the remnant of a celebrated beauty and the weight of a grand life. His gray mane, noble creases, and massive hands make him seem at once imposing and terribly vulnerable, as though the room itself has gathered around his silence.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 1
- Books
- 1
Once a celebrated and handsome grandee of Catherine’s day, Count Kiríl Vladímirovich Bezúkhov is encountered near the end of his life, gravely ill in his Moscow home. His dying presence brings his scattered household and would-be heirs into tense proximity, while his son Pierre is drawn into the count’s final affairs. The old man’s imposing body and former grandeur contrast with the frailty of his last days. His death changes Pierre’s place in the world, leaving the young man heir to immense wealth and a new social standing.
Description
The elderly count lies broad and heavy on a high bed, his gray hair spread in a mane above a broad forehead and prominent cheekbones. Deep, noble wrinkles crease his handsome, ruddy face, whose sensual mouth still hints at the celebrated beauty of his younger years. His large, thick hands rest outside the covers, one holding a wax taper between its fingers. A bright green quilt covers him to the waist, and his stillness lends the room a grave, stately presence.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Pierre Bezúkhovfather and illegitimate son
Pierre is Count Cyril’s illegitimate son and reportedly his favorite. The dying count has cared for Pierre’s education, and the uncertain inheritance shapes the family’s behavior around him.
- AM
Anna Mikháylovna Drubetskáyadistant cousins and godparent connection
Anna says Count Cyril is her mother’s second cousin and Borís’s godfather. She invokes these ties while seeking his help and access to him.
- C
Catichecousins and potential heirs
Catiche and her sisters are direct relatives and expected heirs; she resents the prospect that the count’s will and Pierre’s legitimization will deprive them of the estate.
- PV
Prince Vasíli Kuráginconflicting source relationships
Prince Vasíli is among the count’s relatives and hopes to secure an inheritance, while the count’s will in Pierre’s favor threatens his expectations.
- VD
Vasíli Dmítrich Denísovnephew and uncle
Denísov identifies the Intendant General Kiríl Andréevich Denísov as his uncle; Kutúzov says he and the uncle were friends.
- MI
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzovold friends
Kutúzov warmly recalls his friendship with Denísov's uncle when Denísov names their relation.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
Appearances
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