War and Peace · Character
Sónya
Also known as Sofya, Sofia, Miss Sónya
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 10
A pretty, youthful Russian woman with black hair, worn in a long, large plait or arranged neatly for a ball, and velvety black eyes. She is slim and delicate, with a small, bony chest and a gentle face that dimples when she smiles; her expression can shift from rosy, joyful animation to anxious solemnity. She wears modest, fashionable dresses of pale blue, white muslin, or gauze, sometimes finished with pink ribbons and roses in her hair.
- Gender
- female
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 10
- Books
- 1
Description
A slender young brunette with a tawny complexion, thick black plaits, and a tender look in her long-lashed eyes. She has small, flexible limbs and slender, graceful, muscular arms and neck. Her clothing varies with the occasion; no single typical outfit is established.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- CI
Count Ilyá Andréevich Rostóvuncle and niece; guardian-like household relationship
Sónya is the count’s niece and lives as part of the Rostóv household, where she is treated as one of the young people of the family.
- CN
Countess Natalya Rostóvaniece and aunt; foster-family benefactor and dependent
Sónya is the countess’s poor niece and has long been devoted to the Rostóv household. The countess reproaches her for loving Nicholas and accuses her of trying to ensnare him, although Sónya remains grateful and attached to the family.
Natásha Rostóvaconflicting 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.
Nicholas Rostóvconflicting source relationships
They were raised in the same family and Sónya once loved Nicholas. He tells Mary about their past and asks her to treat Sónya kindly; Sónya continues living in his household after his marriage.
- FI
Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovformer admirer
Dólokhov was formerly Sónya’s admirer; their past association is recalled when he appears at the opera.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiformer intended of her cousin
Sonya recognizes Andrew as the man who had been engaged to Natasha and tells the countess he is traveling with them, while worrying about Natasha’s reaction.
Princess Mary Bolkónskayaco-resident relatives with mutual unease
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.
- MD
Márya Dmítrievna Akhrosímovaallies in protecting Natásha
Sónya alerts Márya Dmítrievna to the danger of Natásha’s planned elopement. Márya Dmítrievna acts on the warning, stops Anatole’s party, and later allows Sónya to remain near Natásha.
- NB
Nicholas Bolkonskyclose companion and caregiver
Sónya helps care for the wounded Andrew while traveling with the Rostóvs and supports Natásha through the crisis.
- JK
Julie Karáginaromantic rival for Nicholas’s attention
Sónya is jealous when Nicholas flirts with Julie and watches their conversation in distress.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Key events
- Book 1
Ch. 162Natásha'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. - Book 1
Ch. 343Nicholas Marries Princess MaryNicholas Rostóv overcomes his promise to Sónya and marries Princess Mary, restoring the family's fortunes.
Appearances
Meet Sónya in Bookworm
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