War and Peace · Character
Mademoiselle Bourienne
Also known as Bourienne, the Frenchwoman, Amélie
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 24
A pretty, fair-haired young Frenchwoman with a fresh, delicate face and lovely, expressive eyes. Her small, graceful presence is animated by a sweet smile, and she is neatly dressed in the polished style of a companion in an aristocratic household, with a ribbon and subtle toilette details. Her expressions shift readily from radiant delight to anxious hope or tears.
- Gender
- female
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 24
- Books
- 1
Description
A pretty, fair-haired young Frenchwoman with a fresh, delicate face and lovely, expressive eyes. Her small, graceful presence is animated by a sweet smile, and she is neatly dressed in the polished style of a companion in an aristocratic household, with a ribbon and subtle toilette details. Her expressions shift readily from radiant delight to anxious hope or tears.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- AK
Anatole Kuráginflirtation and attempted seduction
Anatole is attracted to Bourienne and secretly embraces her in the conservatory. Bourienne hopes he will carry her off and marry her, though the episode ends without a marriage.
Pierre Bezúkhovacquaintances through shared captivity
Bourienne is not involved in the passage’s events; no significant relationship between her and Pierre is established here.
- PL
Princess Lise Bolkónskayahousehold companions
Lise and Bourienne join in helping Mary dress for Anatole’s arrival and participate in the household’s lively social exchange.
Princess Mary Bolkónskayaconflicting source relationships
Mary has never been fully frank with Bourienne and has increasingly avoided her. The prince’s conspicuous affection for Bourienne and Mary’s angry accusation that Bourienne is taking advantage of his weakness deepen their estrangement.
- PN
Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónskiconflicting source relationships
The old prince increasingly shows Bourienne affection, calls her his best friend, and gives her precedence in the household. His demonstrations of intimacy appear to Mary deliberately hurtful and intensify the conflict between father and daughter.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiconflicting source relationships
Andrew condemns Bourienne as an unworthy companion for his sister and blames her for the discord between Mary and their father.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
Appearances
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