War and Peace · Character
Khvóstikov
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 160
Khvóstikov has the muted air of a minor functionary whose life has settled into rooms, tea, and the formalities of other people’s affairs. His presence is unshowy, but the faint absurdity of his circumstances makes him difficult to forget.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 160
- Books
- 1
A retired petty official, Khvóstikov sits at tea in Dólokhov’s front room as a witness to the mock marriage. He later rides in a sleigh alongside Makárin and a valet, remaining a small figure in the orbit of others’ schemes and movement. The novel gives him no broader personal arc, but his bureaucratic plainness lends an understated comic note to these scenes.
Description
Khvóstikov is described as a retired petty official, but the text does not specify his age, face, hair, eyes, complexion, or build. His social position suggests conventional civilian dress, though no particular garments or colors are named. He is seen seated at tea and later riding in a sleigh, with no distinctive accessory or physical feature recorded. His overall impression is restrained and unassuming.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- AK
Anatole Kuráginpaid accomplice and mock-marriage witness
Khvóstikov is recruited by Dólokhov as a witness for the sham marriage and is allotted money for his part in the plan.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Appearances
Meet Khvóstikov in Bookworm
Meet Khvóstikov in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.