Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzov

Kutuzov is commander in chief of the army in Moldavia, while Alexander retains broad influence over the war from the imperial headquarters. The passage shows their separate roles rather than a direct personal exchange.

Borís shows Kutúzov servile respect while maneuvering politically to promote Bennigsen's influence and diminish the commander's apparent authority.

Kutúzov warmly recalls his friendship with Denísov's uncle when Denísov names their relation.

Pierre observes Kutúzov at the battlefield and hears him send a general toward the fighting with a blessing. Pierre is an interested civilian, not a subordinate in the military chain of command.

Kutúzov remembers Andrew's service at Austerlitz and wants him on his staff. He treats him with fatherly affection, sympathizes with his loss, and respects his choice to remain with his regiment.

Dolgorúkov urges action while Bagratión declines to begin without consulting the commander in chief; Kutúzov’s broader command decisions shape the battle.

Arakcheev conveys the Emperor’s wishes about appointing Ermólov chief of artillery. Kutúzov outwardly agrees, despite having just expressed a different view.

Barclay reports his assessment that the Russian position is lost, but Kutúzov rejects the report and insists that the army has held and should attack again.

Bolkhovítinov brings Kutúzov news that Napoleon has left Moscow. Kutúzov presses him urgently for details, and the report gives the field marshal the confirmation he has awaited.

Kutuzov also lashes out at Brózin, who happens to appear and is likewise not to blame for the failed arrangements.

Chichagóv meets Kutúzov at Vilna with the garrison report and town keys, but his contemptuously respectful manner reflects the younger commanders’ criticism. Kutúzov’s understated reply exposes their differing assumptions.

Langeron objects to Weyrother’s plan during the council, aligning with the doubts and reluctance associated with Kutúzov’s position.

Wittgenstein’s arrival with his army intensifies the staff’s criticism of Kutúzov and the pressure for more aggressive operations.

Rostopchín joins the generals’ gathering on Poklónny Hill as the city’s governor, while Kutúzov leads the army. Both face the evacuation, but the narrative contrasts Rostopchín’s confused interventions with Kutúzov’s reluctant military decision.

Toll drafts the dispositions for the planned attack and later joins Bennigsen and Konovnitsyn in urging Kutuzov to execute the movement again.

Davýdov helps establish organized partisan warfare, a method that supports the broader Russian campaign against the French, though the passage does not describe direct dealings between him and Kutúzov.

Dokhtúrov carries out Kutúzov’s orders and sends an urgent report when the French army’s unexpected movement makes the original assignment unclear.

Kutúzov sends Yermolov to inspect the position. Yermolov reports that fighting there is impossible and urges retreat, while Kutúzov initially struggles to accept that conclusion.

Kutuzov angrily berates Eýkhen after discovering that the attack orders have not reached the troops, although Eýkhen is not responsible for the failure.

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.

Kutúzov regards the younger generals’ elaborate plans and proposed maneuvers as misguided, preferring restraint and waiting for the French army to collapse.

Bagovút serves in Kutúzov’s army and is killed leading his men under fire during the confused Tarútino operation.

Mack arrives at Kutúzov's headquarters after the Austrian army's surrender at Ulm. Kutúzov receives him without reproach, while the disaster forces the Russian army to prepare to face the enemy.

The Tsarevich brings Kutúzov news of the Emperor’s displeasure and intended visit. Kutúzov had previously removed him from the army.

Kutúzov had petted the six-year-old Malásha and given her a lump of sugar. She watches the council from the oven, calls him “Granddad” in her thoughts, and instinctively takes his side against Bennigsen.

Konovnítsyn serves with Kutúzov and shares an understanding of the French retreat; his earlier foresight is borne out as the French flight becomes clear.

The old prince writes to Kutúzov recommending that he use Andrew in appropriate posts and not leave him too long as an adjutant. He recalls their connection with warmth, and Kutúzov speaks favorably of Andrew in his reply.

Bagratión commands a detachment within Kutúzov’s army. He declines to attend Kutúzov’s late-night council of war.

Prince Vasíli first boasts that Kutúzov is the only man capable of defeating Napoleon, then condemns him as a traitor after the abandonment of Moscow becomes known.

Denísov presses his guerrilla plan for attacking French lines of communication. Kutúzov listens, recognizes his family connection to an old friend, and invites him to remain at headquarters for a later discussion.

Michaud carries Kutúzov’s explanation of why Moscow was abandoned to the Emperor and later returns to the army.

Milorádovich joins other commanders near Vyázma in pressing to cut off and break up French corps, contrary to Kutúzov’s effort to avoid costly engagements.

Plátov is one of the commanders eager to attack the retreating French; Kutúzov attempts to prevent the troops from wasting lives in such actions.

At Krásnoe, Eugène fires on the fleeing French from a hill and requests reinforcements that do not arrive, amid the confused operations Kutúzov had tried to avoid.

Kutúzov seeks to wear down and destroy Napoleon’s retreating army while resisting attacks that would squander Russian lives. Napoleon’s flight from Moscow confirms Kutúzov’s belief that patience, rather than aggressive maneuvers, will defeat the French.

The Russian high command is divided between Kutúzov's party and Bennigsen's. Their factions contend over authority and credit for the coming battle.