Napoleon Bonaparte

Murat is Napoleon’s brother-in-law and former appointee as King of Naples. Napoleon had told him that he made him king to reign in Napoleon’s way, not his own.

The portrait of their son is presented to Napoleon as a gift from the Empress, who is identified as the boy’s mother and Napoleon’s wife.

Napoleon responds tenderly to the portrait of his young heir and orders it shown to the Old Guard, while then having it removed so the child will not see a battlefield.

Balashëv delivers Alexander’s letter and argues Russia’s position. Napoleon receives him, alternately treats him as a diplomatic representative and interrupts him with angry assertions.

Napoleon explains his policy to Yákovlev and dispatches him to Petersburg with a letter for Alexander.

Napoleon’s battle dispositions assign Fouché responsibility for placing the artillery of the 3rd Corps.

Napoleon orders Sabastiani to observe the movements of the Russian army after the French enter Moscow.

Berthier reports the French army’s disintegration and urges Napoleon to rally it at Smolensk and reduce its burdens.

Davout serves Napoleon with severe discipline and cruelty; the narration compares his role for Napoleon to Arakcheev’s role for Alexander.

De Beausset brings Napoleon a portrait from the Empress and attends him at headquarters. Napoleon treats him cordially, teases him about travel, and invites him to ride along.

At the council at Málo-Yaroslávets, Mouton voices the conclusion the French officers share: the army must get away as quickly as possible. Napoleon accepts the necessity and orders the retreat.

Rapp attends Napoleon before the battle, answers his questions about the army and supplies, and reassures him that the French will succeed.

Napoleon explains his views to Tutólmin and sends him to Petersburg to negotiate, but Alexander does not receive him.

Ramballe is devoted to Napoleon, whom he regards as a generous and glorious monarch, and says that he entered his service after being won over by his achievements.

Murat’s retreating force is among the French formations pursued by the Russians during the retreat.

Napoleon questions Lavrúshka after he is captured by the French. Lavrúshka recognizes Napoleon but pretends to be awed to please him; Napoleon gives him a present and releases him.

After the victory, Lannes rides up to Napoleon to congratulate him.

Ney’s depleted corps reaches Napoleon at Orsha after Ney escapes across the Dnieper, leaving most of his men and artillery behind.

Their governments’ conflict culminates in Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Both leaders exchange diplomatic messages, but neither secures peace before the armies clash.

Rostóv has regarded Napoleon as a criminal enemy and is disturbed by the new alliance and by Alexander’s respectful treatment of him.

Pierre becomes convinced that he must remain in Moscow and kill Napoleon to end Europe’s suffering. His resolve weakens after his humane encounter with Ramballe, and he does not carry out the plan in this episode.

Andrew regards the French as enemies responsible for his father’s death and the destruction of Bald Hills, and rejects the idea of treating them as friends or sparing them as prisoners.

Napoleon blames Rostopchín for the state of affairs in Moscow and orders his houses burned; Rostopchín is presented as an adversary of the French occupation.

Napoleon remarks on Sukhtélen’s youth; the wounded lieutenant answers that youth does not prevent courage, earning Napoleon’s praise.

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.

Bagratión’s small detachment faces the French forces advancing under Napoleon’s command. Its mission is to hold them off long enough for Kutúzov’s army and transport to escape.

Napoleon questions Repnín after his capture, praises his regiment’s conduct, and grants him the honor of the victor’s commendation.