War and Peace · Character
Levin August von Bennigsen
Also known as General Bennigsen, Long-coat, Count Bennigsen
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 91
A human Russian general of the early nineteenth century, with a composed, authoritative bearing. Show him in a formal Napoleonic-era Russian general’s uniform, standing or mounted beside the line as he addresses a companion; his particular facial features, coloring, and build are not established by the passage.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 91
- Books
- 1
Description
A human Russian general of the early nineteenth century, with a composed, authoritative bearing. Show him in a formal Napoleonic-era Russian general’s uniform, standing or mounted beside the line as he addresses a companion; his particular facial features, coloring, and build are not established by the passage.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Alexander I of Russiageneral and imperial correspondent
Bennigsen sends personal reports to the Emperor during the conflict over the army’s command and conduct.
Pierre Bezúkhovmilitary guide and civilian observer
Bennigsen takes Pierre around the Russian positions and explains the troop dispositions. Pierre listens but admits that he cannot fully understand the military situation.
- BD
Barclay de Tollyfellow senior commanders with opposing strategic positions
Barclay and others regard a defensive battle at Filí as impossible, while Bennigsen continues to press for defending Moscow and proposes a night movement to attack the French flank.
- CV
Captain von Tollmilitary commanders on the same operation
Bennigsen commands the belated infantry columns while Toll directs them; their forces become confused and fail to reach their appointed positions in time.
- E
Ermólovsenior officers and advocates of an offensive
Yermolov urges Bennigsen to use his influence to persuade Kutuzov to attack; Bennigsen replies that Kutuzov tends to do the opposite of what he advises.
- MI
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzovconflicting source relationships
Bennigsen’s correspondence with the Emperor and influence on the staff complicate Kutúzov’s command. After Bennigsen begins avoiding him, Kutúzov feels freer to resist calls for offensive action.
- R
Raévskifellow generals supporting a flank attack
Raévski agrees with Bennigsen’s plan at the council, although the plan is rejected by Kutúzov.
- T
Túchkovsenior officer and corps commander
Bennigsen inspects the left flank where Túchkov’s corps is stationed and orders troops in that sector to occupy high ground, misunderstanding their concealed ambush position.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Appearances
Meet Levin August von Bennigsen in Bookworm
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