Natásha Rostóva

War and Peace · Character

Natásha Rostóva

Also known as Natasha, Natálya Ilyníchna, Countess Natásha

  • Major
  • First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 9

A slim, graceful young Russian countess with black eyes, black curls, and a large, expressive mouth. Her youthful face is highly animated, readily flushing or brightening with emotion; her slender arms, neck, and small, quick feet emphasize her lively presence. She wears elegant early-nineteenth-century dresses—muslin, gauze, silk, or velvet—with her hair dressed for balls, while at home she may wear a simple dressing jacket and have her hair in a plait or curlpapers.

Gender
female
Age
13
First appears
Book 1 · Ch. 9
Books
1

Description

A human woman with black curls, dark eyes, and a wide mouth. In youth she is slender, with thin arms and a lively, expressive face; as an adult she becomes stouter and broader, with more defined features and a calm, soft expression. Her clothing varies with age and occasion, from short frocks and ball gowns to a dressing gown.

Connections

  • BD

    Borís Drubetskóiconflicting source relationships

    They are cousins, and Borís once had a youthful romantic attachment to Natásha. By this point he is only a familiar social companion, and Andrew reacts with jealousy and surprise when he learns of the past affection.

  • CI

    Count Ilyá Andréevich Rostóvfather and daughter

    The count is devoted to Natásha and distressed by her broken engagement and illness. He senses that something serious has happened but avoids pressing her or learning the disgraceful details.

  • CN

    Countess Natalya Rostóvadaughter and mother

    Natásha turns to her mother for reassurance about Andrew and their engagement. The countess accepts Andrew’s proposal, though she feels anxious about the delayed wedding.

  • Nicholas Rostóvbrother and sister

    They share an affectionate bond and intimate childhood memories. Natásha wholeheartedly supports Nicholas’s love for Sónya and intervenes to prevent a lasting rupture between him and their mother.

  • Pierre Bezúkhovconflicting source relationships

    They share responsibility for their children; Natásha attends to the baby and speaks affectionately about Pétya, while Pierre notes their son’s resemblance to his father.

  • Prince Andrew Bolkónskiconflicting source relationships

    Natásha was once betrothed to Prince Andrew and remains connected to him through family. She calls their former quarrels her fault when speaking with Pierre.

  • S

    Sónyaconflicting source relationships

    They are close companions and share the Rostóv household and childhood memories. Natásha values Sónya’s loyalty, defends her against her mother’s accusations, and rejoices when Nicholas commits to her.

  • B

    Bergsister-in-law and brother-in-law

    Berg is Natasha’s brother-in-law through his marriage to her sister Vera. Natasha reacts with anger when he asks to borrow a cart for furniture while wounded soldiers need transport.

  • MD

    Márya Dmítrievna Akhrosímovaconflicting source relationships

    Márya Dmítrievna is fond of Natásha, hosts the Rostóvs, advises her about joining Andrew’s family, and arranges her introduction to Princess Mary.

  • NB

    Nicholas Bolkonskyconflicting source relationships

    Natásha meets Andrew’s young son at Mary’s home and is closely connected to him through her former engagement to Andrew and her friendship with Mary.

  • PR

    Pétya Rostovbrother and sister

    Pétya has a particularly tender, brotherly attachment to Natásha and spends his time in Moscow with her. He adores her and follows her lead; she is buoyed by his affection.

  • PN

    Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónskiaunt by marriage

    Natásha is the boy’s aunt by marriage. She is present during the family gathering and helps soften the hostile mood after Nicholas rebukes Pierre.

  • VR

    Véra Rostóvayounger and elder sisters

    Véra is present with the family at the ball and speaks to Natásha, though Natásha is too humiliated by being left without a dance partner to attend to her.

  • TC

    the countessdaughter and mother

    Natásha’s mother tries to comfort and protect her, while Natásha slips away at night to see Andrew and later nurses him throughout the journey.

  • Princess Mary Bolkónskayasisters-in-law and close friends

    Natásha says she is fonder than ever of Mary and admires her understanding of children. Mary follows Natásha to the nursery and shares concern for the family’s children.

  • AK

    Anatole Kuráginconflicting source relationships

    Natásha notices Anatole among the fashionable guests, but he looks at her without interest while talking to his partner.

  • AF

    Anísya Fëdorovnaguest and hospitable companion

    Anísya welcomes and serves Natásha, who responds warmly to her food, music, and dancing; Anísya is moved by Natásha’s understanding of Russian ways.

  • D

    Danielyoung mistress and huntsman

    Natásha gives Daniel instructions to saddle horses for her and Pétya, though he finds dealing directly with a young lady awkward.

  • D

    Dimmlerhousehold companion and musical confidant

    Dimmler plays music for the Rostóvs and joins Natásha, Nicholas, and Sónya in a reflective conversation about dreams and the soul. He praises Natásha’s singing.

  • HK

    Hélène KuráginaAnatole’s sister and social accomplice

    Hélène befriends and flatters Natásha, invites her into society, and deliberately brings her together with Anatole at his request. Her encouragement helps facilitate their clandestine courtship.

  • I

    Iláginacquaintances on the hunt

    Ilágin courteously compliments Natásha’s beauty and passion for hunting, helping ease the tension between the hunting parties.

  • MI

    Márya Ignátevna Perónskayasocial guide and family relation

    Perónskaya, a maid of honor and relation of the countess, accompanies the provincial Rostóvs into Petersburg high society and points out notable guests at the ball.

  • VD

    Vasíli Dmítrich Denísovconflicting source relationships

    Denísov is Nicholas's friend and becomes devoted to Natásha, admiring her dancing and singing. He proposes, but she gently refuses, saying she loves him as a friend.

  • AI

    Agraféna Ivánovna Belóvaspiritual companion

    Belova encourages Natasha to fast and prepare for communion, accompanies her to church, and helps guide her renewed religious devotion.

  • MK

    Mávra Kuzmínichnacompassionate household companions

    Natásha and the Rostóv family’s former housekeeper act together to bring wounded soldiers into the family home. Mávra helps Natásha care for the wounded and advises her about obtaining permission.

  • FI

    Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovmistrustful critic and unwelcome presence

    Natásha distrusts Dólokhov, considers him wicked and heartless, and argues with Nicholas over his friendship with him.

Story so far

  1. BOOK 1War and Peace

Key events

  1. Book 1
    Ch. 129
    Prince Andrew's Engagement to NatáshaPrince Andrew proposes to Natásha Rostóva; their engagement is accepted but delayed for one year by his father.
  2. Book 1
    Ch. 162
    Natásha's Attempted Elopement with AnatoleNatásha agrees to elope with Anatole Kurágin, unaware he is already married; the plan is thwarted by Sónya and Márya Dmítrievna.
  3. Book 1
    Ch. 279
    Death of Prince AndrewPrince Andrew, wounded at Borodinó, dies in Yaroslávl after reconciling with Natásha and achieving spiritual peace.
  4. Book 1
    Ch. 342
    Natásha and Pierre's MarriageAfter years of separation and loss, Natásha and Pierre marry and begin a family.

Book 1: War and Peace

Appearances

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