War and Peace · Character
Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónski
Also known as old Prince Bolkonsky, old Prince Bolkónski, General in Chief Prince Nicholas Andréevich
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1
A rather small, lean, sinewy elderly man with a stern, shrewd face, bushy gray eyebrows, and keen, glittering eyes. He wears a powdered wig, sometimes arranged in a plaited tail, with an antique coat or a white dressing gown; his brisk, alert movements contrast with his advanced age. His expression is severe and commanding, with a tight, dry smile and a clean-shaven, wrinkled cheek.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1
- Books
- 1
Description
A rather small, very elderly man with a powdered wig, sometimes worn in a plaited tail, and thick bushy gray eyebrows over keen, glittering eyes. His hands are small and bony, and his face is wrinkled, stern, and clean-shaven at times; he is thin and frail in old age. He appears in old-fashioned coats, a velvet coat with a sable collar and cap, or a white dressing gown, depending on the occasion.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Prince Andrew Bolkónskison and father
Their relationship combines deep affection and respect with sharp differences in temperament. The old prince teases and criticizes Andrew, yet worries about him, supports his military career, and gives him family papers and instructions before his departure.
- PL
Princess Lise Bolkónskayafather-in-law and daughter-in-law
Lise is intimidated by the old prince's severity and sits silently and nervously during dinner. He makes brusque remarks about her pregnancy and advises her to walk, while agreeing to arrange an accoucheur for her.
Princess Mary Bolkónskayafather and daughter
Mary reveres her father and considers herself happy living with him, excusing his harshness and defending his character. His strict routines and religious skepticism are sources of strain for her, though she hopes his attitude is improving.
- NB
Nicholas Bolkonskygrandfather and grandson
Andrew asks his father to raise his son, Nicholas, if Andrew is killed, rather than let the child be taken away. The old prince's joking reply about whether the wife should have the child exposes a tense undertone around the child's guardianship.
- A
Alpatychmaster and steward
Alpatych has spent more than thirty years executing the old prince's orders and remains devoted to his authority.
Natásha Rostóvaprospective father-in-law
The old prince disapproves of Natásha and refuses to receive Márya Dmítrievna’s appeal on her behalf. His hostility and the resulting tension contribute to Natásha’s anxiety about the engagement.
Pierre Bezúkhovfriend of his son and welcomed guest
The old prince warmly receives Pierre, enjoys disputing with him, and treats him with affectionate familiarity.
- T
Tíkhonmaster and valet
Tíkhon is the old prince’s valet and attends him during his paralysis. The prince speaks to him when Mary is not present, though Tíkhon sometimes cannot understand him.
- AK
Anatole Kuráginprospective son-in-law and prospective father-in-law
Anatole visits as a possible husband for Mary. The old prince questions and scrutinizes him, finds his answers and manner wanting, and later leaves the choice to Mary.
- MB
Mademoiselle Bourienneconflicting 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.
- MI
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzovfamily patron and military superior
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.
- PV
Prince Vasíli Kuráginmarriage negotiators with mutual distrust
Prince Vasíli seeks a match between Anatole and Mary, while the old prince holds him in contempt and insists that Mary choose freely.
- DL
Dr. Lorrainpatient and physician
The prince had grown accustomed to receiving the fashionable French doctor, but abruptly accuses him of being a French spy and expels him.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
- Book 1
Ch. 54Anatole's Rejected Proposal to MaryAnatole Kurágin visits Bald Hills to court Princess Mary but is rejected after flirting with Mademoiselle Bourienne. - Book 1
Ch. 129Prince Andrew's Engagement to NatáshaPrince Andrew proposes to Natásha Rostóva; their engagement is accepted but delayed for one year by his father.
Appearances
Meet Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónski in Bookworm
Meet Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónski in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.