Nicholas Rostóv

Nicholas confesses his 43,000-ruble gambling debt to his father. The old count is shocked but tries to find a way to raise the money; Nicholas weeps and asks forgiveness.

The countess wants Nicholas to marry wealthy heiress Julie Karágina to help rescue the family finances. Nicholas refuses, choosing Sónya; their disagreement becomes painful, though Natásha helps reconcile them.

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 and Nicholas argue over Pierre’s proposed society and whether opposing the government is compatible with duty. Their disagreement becomes tense, but they remain close enough for the discussion to resume amicably.

They share an affectionate household and raise their children together. Mary sometimes feels excluded by Nicholas's farming world, but their closeness deepens, and she helps him confront and restrain his violent temper.

Sónya loves Nicholas and is hurt when the countess voices her hope that he will marry the wealthy Princess Mary. Despite her grief, Sónya quietly takes responsibility for the family’s packing.

Nicholas disciplines his son Mítya by withholding pudding and later discusses the children’s upbringing with Mary.

Nicholas is protective of his thirteen-year-old brother, though Pétya eagerly joins him and Natásha on the hunt.

Nicholas is the boy’s uncle and guardian figure. He is strict and irritated when the boy is present during the political discussion, though he recognizes the boy’s honesty and intelligence.

Nicholas sends Véra greetings in his letter; she joins the family for its reading, though her unemotional response draws reproachful looks.

Rostóv idealizes the Emperor and longs to serve him, speak honestly to him, and earn his personal notice; when he finally sees Alexander after the defeat, reverence makes him too intimidated to approach.

They have a longstanding friendship, but Rostóv feels wounded by Borís’s initial annoyance and reluctance to risk his position to help Denísov. Their different views of the new peace and court society strain their bond.

Nicholas has rescued Mary and her household during the war and feels sympathy for Andrew after learning he is wounded. Andrew's earlier engagement to Natásha and his kinship to Mary shape Nicholas's understanding of the possible match.

Dolgorúkov authorizes Rostóv to deliver Bagratión’s message to the Emperor if he encounters him before reaching Kutúzov.

Nicholas is warmly received by Anísya’s generous hospitality and recognizes her close, affectionate rapport with “Uncle.”

Mary's aunt invites Nicholas to visit and questions him about Mary and Andrew. Her approval, together with the governor's wife's efforts, supports the proposed match.

Although Nicholas dislikes Anna, he tears up her 2,000-ruble promissory note because she and her son were friends of the family and are poor.

Berg proudly reports his hand wound and his conduct at the front to Rostóv, who is too focused on his mission to stay and listen.

Bondarénko tends Rostóv’s horse. Rostóv treats him warmly and generously, showing the brotherly cordiality he extends to the men serving him.

Túshin recognizes Rostóv from the campaign at Schön Grabern, where he gave him a lift, and welcomes him in the hospital.

Daniel is Nicholas’s experienced huntsman and head kennelman; Nicholas consults him and relies on his judgment during the hunt.

Nicholas serves in Denísov’s squadron. Denísov treats him affectionately as a favorite and jokes about Nicholas’s intense devotion to the Tsar.

Dimmler is part of the Rostóv household circle. He joins the young people’s conversation and takes part in the Christmas masquerade and sleigh outing with them.

Nicholas befriends Dólokhov during his convalescence and defends his character, but their relationship strains after Dólokhov proposes to Sónya and wins 43,000 rubles from Nicholas at cards.

Julie gives Nicholas tender attention, and he responds with a coquettish smile and confidential conversation, provoking Sónya’s jealousy.

Kírsten advises Rostóv that his public accusation and refusal to apologize threaten the regiment’s honor. His firm intervention helps Rostóv acknowledge his responsibility to his fellow officers, though Rostóv still cannot bring himself to apologize.

Rostov and the other officers flirt with the regimental doctor’s young wife during a rainy night at a tavern. The encounter is lighthearted and teasing, while her husband’s jealousy is a standing joke.

Nicholas admires Matthew's efficient farming and cites his hard work as an example. Nicholas's estate management is shaped by close observation of peasant labor and practical knowledge.

Nicholas is devoted to Mílka and follows her performance with pride during the hunt.

Nicholas confronts the family steward over the accounts, accuses him of theft, and drives him away, though his father later disputes Nicholas’s reading of the books.

Nicholas’s squadron advances as part of Bagratión’s detachment during the operation before Austerlitz.

Rostóv rides Rook, a horse he bought from Telyánin. Though the horse has a game leg, Rostóv is fond of him and thinks him handsome.

Rostóv serves in Denísov’s squadron and lives with him. Their easy, affectionate friendship is tested when Denísov suspects Rostóv of taking his missing purse; Rostóv ultimately proves Telyánin stole it and refuses to let Denísov punish the orderly.

Zakharchénko drives the count’s sleigh during the Christmas outing. Nicholas playfully races him in his own troyka.

Zdrzhinski recounts a glorified story of Raevsky’s exploit. Rostov distrusts the tale and dislikes Zdrzhinski’s grandiloquent manner but does not openly challenge it.

Ostermann summons Rostov after the cavalry action, praises his initiative, and promises to report his bravery to the Emperor and recommend him for a St. George’s Cross.

Dron served as village elder at Boguchárovo before his death. The elder who succeeds him is later questioned by Nicholas over alleged dishonesty and irregularities.

The two officers ride together to Boguchárovo in high spirits. Ilyín accompanies Rostóv during the confrontation with the peasants and notices Rostóv’s changed mood after meeting Mary.

After Rostóv publicly accuses Telyánin of theft, Schubert calls him a liar, and Rostóv refuses to apologize. Rostóv later recognizes that he has wronged the colonel and feels anxious about their strained relationship, while Schubert continues to give him orders as a subordinate.

Lavrúshka is Rostóv’s serf and accompanies him on the ride to Boguchárovo after returning from captivity. Rostóv had previously handed him over to serve as a prisoner.

She welcomes Nicholas warmly, calls him by his familiar name, and tries to arrange a marriage between him and Princess Mary. Nicholas confides in her about both Mary and Sónya.

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

Nicholas approaches Ilágin expecting an enemy because of a land-use dispute and a fox incident, but Ilágin’s courteous response turns their encounter into a cordial shared hunt.

Denisov accuses Telyanin of starving the soldiers by withholding provisions and strikes him at the commissariat. Rostov learns of the confrontation from Denisov.