Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhov

Also known as Dolokhov, a certain Dólokhov, officer Dólokhov

Supporting
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 5

A medium-height, strong young Russian officer, about twenty-five, with curly hair and clear light-blue eyes. His handsome face is defined by a finely curved mouth, a sharply pointed upper lip, and a firm lower lip, often set in a mocking, insolent smile; he is clean-shaven. He wears a neat officer’s uniform, with a Guardsman’s padded coat, Order of St. George at the buttonhole, and plain forage cap in his later appearance.

Gender: male
Age: 25
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 5
Books: 1

Description

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

S
Sónyawould-be suitor and beloved
Dólokhov falls deeply in love with Sónya and proposes to her. She refuses because she loves Nicholas.
HK
Hélène Kuráginaalleged lovers
Pierre suspects that Hélène and Dólokhov are lovers, based on rumors and an anonymous letter. Hélène denies the affair, so the text presents it as an allegation rather than a confirmed relationship.
CI
Count Ilyá Andréevich Rostóvdebtor and creditor
After Dólokhov wins 43,000 rubles from Nicholas, the old count must raise the money. Nicholas eventually pays Dólokhov in full.
CN
Countess Natalya Rostóvaprospective son-in-law and disapproving mother
The countess presses Sónya to accept Dólokhov's advantageous proposal, but Sónya refuses.
Nicholas Rostóvfriends, later estranged over Sónya and a gambling debt
Nicholas befriends Dólokhov during his convalescence and defends his character, but their relationship strains after Dólokhov proposes to Sónya and wins 43,000 rubles from Nicholas at cards.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiofficer advocating for a disgraced soldier
Andrew reminds Kutúzov that Dólokhov has been reduced to the ranks, helping secure a hearing for him during inspection. The passage indicates a professional intervention rather than a developed personal friendship.
AK
Anatole Kuráginhousehold companions and drinking companions
Dólokhov lives with Anatole and is respected by him and their circle. They participate together in drunken wagers and reckless entertainments.
MI
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzovcommander in chief and reduced-rank soldier
Kutúzov hears Dólokhov's request for a chance to redeem himself and advises him to do his duty, promising not to forget him if he merits favor. Dólokhov addresses him boldly and seeks reinstatement through service.
PR
Pétya Rostovconflicting source relationships
Pétya idolizes Dólokhov’s courage and insists on accompanying him into the French camp. After they return safely, Pétya embraces him and declares his love and admiration; Dólokhov responds with a kiss.
T
Timókhincompany commander and soldier under his command
Timókhin reports that Dólokhov is punctilious in service but unpredictable in character, and recounts his violent conduct in Poland. He also understands the regimental commander's wish to keep an eye on Dólokhov's behavior.
VD
Vasíli Dmítrich Denísovco-leaders in a guerrilla operation
They cooperate in the raid that rescues prisoners, though Dólokhov takes charge of the surrendered French while Denísov mourns Pétya.
VB
Vincent Bossefellow combatants with opposing views on prisoners
Dólokhov questions why Denísov keeps the boy and argues that sending prisoners away under escort is no kinder, since many die en route. His hard-edged view contrasts with Denísov’s concern for prisoners and Pétya’s compassion.
RC
Regimental commanderregimental superior and reduced-rank soldier
The commander initially rebukes Dólokhov for wearing a blue coat and speaking in the ranks, then promises him epaulettes after the next engagement if he performs well. Dólokhov remains cool and does not respond to the offer.
Natásha Rostóvamistrustful critic and unwelcome presence
Natásha distrusts Dólokhov, considers him wicked and heartless, and argues with Nicholas over his friendship with him.
Pierre Bezúkhovconflicting source relationships
Pierre remembers challenging Dólokhov to a duel after Dólokhov’s involvement with Hélène. In Pierre’s dream, Dólokhov belongs to a noisy, morally troubling group set against the simple, kind people associated with his benefactor.
Z
Zherkóvestranged former companions
They once belonged to the same wild Petersburg circle, but Zherkóv failed to acknowledge Dólokhov when he met him abroad as a private. Now Zherkóv approaches with forced old-friend cordiality, while Dólokhov answers coldly and rejects his offer of help.