Princess Mary Bolkónskaya

Nicholas is deeply drawn to Mary's spiritual goodness, and Mary loves him. Their growing attachment is encouraged by the governor's wife and Anna Ignátyevna Malvíntseva, though Nicholas initially believes his promise to Sónya prevents him from declaring himself.

Andrew and Mary share a warm, intimate bond rooted in childhood. Mary worries about his spiritual life and his marriage, gives him a protective icon, and urges him to be kind to Lise; Andrew treats her with tenderness despite teasing her religious faith.

The two women greet each other with exuberant affection and quickly become close. Mary is protective of Lise and defends her to Andrew, while Lise seeks Mary's company and support during her isolation and pregnancy.

Malvíntseva is Mary's wealthy, childless aunt on her mother's side and hosts Mary in Vorónezh.

Mary teaches her six-year-old nephew and feels distressed when she recognizes in herself some of her father’s irritability. Nicholas responds tenderly when she cries, comforting her despite being afraid of her temper.

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.

Mary's old nurse comforts her through the night of Lise's labor, bringing the prince's wedding candles and keeping her company.

Alpátych manages the Bolkónski estates and advises Mary during the evacuation crisis. He tries to secure carts and compel the peasants to obey, while Mary turns to him for practical help.

Borís considers courting Mary as one of Moscow’s richest heiresses, but feels awkward with her and ultimately pursues Julie.

The old count welcomes Mary to his home in Yaroslavl, though his distress and disorientation leave him less self-assured than before.

The countess greets Mary warmly, embraces her, and welcomes her into the Rostov household during a family crisis.

Their shared mourning for Andrew and then Pétya brings them together; they become passionately devoted companions and sustain one another through grief.

Mary has known Pierre since childhood and says she is as fond of him as of a brother. She appreciates his kindness toward her pilgrims and trusts him with her worries about Andrew.

Mary tries to be fond of Sónya and recognizes that Nicholas wronged her, but often feels jealousy and ill-will toward her. Sónya remains a loyal member of the household.

Julie informs Mary that Anatole’s family is considering her as a wealthy bride for him, hoping marriage will reform his dissolute conduct; Mary says she will accept marriage as a duty if it is required of her.

Dunyásha serves Mary and remains close to her during the family crisis, warning her about the peasants and helping her leave Boguchárovo.

Mary receives Ivánushka among her ‘God’s folk’ and defends the pilgrims when Andrew teases them.

Mary and Julie corresponded for five years, but when they meet in Moscow, Mary finds Julie’s society life and changed manner alien to her. Julie’s presence no longer gives Mary the companionship she had hoped for.

Mary has never been fully frank with Bourienne and has increasingly avoided her. The prince’s conspicuous affection for Bourienne and Mary’s angry accusation that Bourienne is taking advantage of his weakness deepen their estrangement.

Mary summons and relies on the midwife during Lise's labor; Mary Bogdánovna attends the birth.

Bourienne tells Mary that the prince has been scolding Michael Ivanovich, reflecting the old prince’s strict control over those in his household.

Mary secretly receives Pelagéya and other religious pilgrims despite her father’s orders to turn them away, and tries to protect Pelagéya from ridicule.

Vasíli considers arranging Mary’s marriage to Anatole because she is wealthy and, as Anna Pávlovna reports, unhappy with her father.

Mary is especially fond of the pilgrim Theodosia and is deeply influenced by her account of a life devoted to religious wandering and prayer.

Mary trusts Dron and appeals to him as a friend, authorizing him to distribute the estate’s grain to the peasants. Dron is caught between her wishes and the commune’s resistance.

Dessalles discusses the war with Mary and urges her to seek reliable information and protect the household, while she regularly converses with him.

The governor's wife praises Nicholas to Mary and arranges opportunities for the two to meet, believing they would make a suitable couple.