War and Peace · Character

Vasíli Dmítrich Denísov

Also known as Denisov, Vaska Denisov, Wostóv

  • Supporting
  • First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 31

A short, rugged Russian hussar officer with a red, expressive face, sparkling black eyes, thick curly black hair that often falls tousled, and a heavy black mustache with whiskers. His broad, shaggy facial hair and short, strong teeth give him a forceful, memorable look. He wears a dark military hussar uniform, often with a loose cloak and a crumpled shako or cap; his manner and grooming are frequently rough and unpolished.

Gender
male
First appears
Book 1 · Ch. 31
Books
1

Description

A short, sturdy man with a red, hairy, snub-nosed face, sparkling black eyes, and thick, tousled black hair, mustache, and whiskers. His hands are short and sinewy, with stubby fingers; he has hairy arms and legs. He wears hussar uniform, sometimes with an unfastened cloak, wide creased breeches, and a crumpled shako pushed back on his head; when dressed up, his hair is pomaded and he wears a new uniform.

Connections

  • CK

    Count Kiríl Vladímirovich Bezúkhovnephew and uncle

    Denísov identifies the Intendant General Kiríl Andréevich Denísov as his uncle; Kutúzov says he and the uncle were friends.

  • CN

    Countess Natalya Rostóvaprospective son-in-law and prospective mother-in-law

    The countess refuses to approve Denísov's proposal to Natásha, stressing that her daughter is too young and that he should have approached her first.

  • Natásha Rostóvaconflicting 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.

  • N

    Nesvítskicomrades and familiar acquaintances

    The two officers greet one another warmly during the retreat at the Enns bridge. Nesvítski calls Denísov by his familiar nickname, and Denísov responds with easy banter.

  • Nicholas Rostóvconflicting source relationships

    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.

  • Pierre Bezúkhovfamily friend and political discussion companion

    Denísov joins Pierre and Nicholas in conversation, challenges Pierre’s proposed association as difficult to understand, and jokes that he would join a revolt if dissatisfied.

  • Prince Andrew Bolkónskiacquaintances connected through Natásha

    They meet warmly at Kutúzov's headquarters. Denísov sympathizes with Andrew's bereavement, and Andrew knows him as Natásha's former suitor.

  • B

    Bedouinrider and horse

    Denísov rides his Arab horse Bedouin while leading his squadron under fire at the Enns bridge.

  • CT

    Captain Túshinhospital neighbor and adviser

    Túshin listens to Denísov’s case and urges him to submit a petition for pardon, arguing that he should accept practical help rather than persist in defiance.

  • DD

    Denís Davýdovnamesake partisan commanders

    The passage distinguishes Davýdov, credited with initiating regularized partisan warfare, from Denísov, who leads a separate partisan detachment.

  • EL

    Esaul Lováyski the Thirdpartisan commander and fellow officer

    Lováyski works alongside Denísov, advises him on the terrain, and helps plan the attack on the French convoy.

  • FI

    Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovconflicting source relationships

    They spend time together at the club, and Denísov attempts to reconcile Dólokhov and Pierre before their duel.

  • K

    Kírstenfellow officers in the Pávlograd Hussars

    The two officers share concern for the regiment and discuss Rostóv’s dispute with the colonel. Denísov supports Kírsten’s effort to make Rostóv understand the consequences of his conduct.

  • MI

    Mikhail Illarionovich Kutúzovofficer seeking commander's consideration

    Denísov presses his guerrilla plan for attacking French lines of communication. Kutúzov listens, recognizes his family connection to an old friend, and invites him to remain at headquarters for a later discussion.

  • PR

    Pétya Rostovold family friend and beloved companion

    Denísov warmly welcomes Pétya, whom he has known before the campaign, and allows him to remain with the detachment despite concern for his safety. Pétya openly admires and affectionately kisses him.

  • TA

    The Auditorcase adviser and petitioner

    The auditor advises Denísov to submit a petition and drafts one asking the Emperor for pardon; Denísov ultimately signs it despite his resistance.

  • TS

    Tíkhon Shcherbátypartisan commander and trusted scout

    Denísov recruits Tíkhon into his band and promotes him from camp labor to an indispensable fighter and scout. Their rapport combines trust and affection with comic reprimands when Tíkhon disobeys instructions.

  • VB

    Vincent Bossecaptor and prisoner treated with kindness

    Denísov has the drummer boy fed and gives him Russian clothing so he can remain with the band rather than be sent away with other prisoners.

  • KB

    Karl Bogdánich Schubertsquadron commander and regimental colonel

    Denísov commands a squadron under Schubert. He asks to attack the French at the bridge, but Schubert refuses and orders the squadron to withdraw; Denísov obeys.

  • L

    Lavrúshkaofficer and orderly

    Lavrúshka is Denísov’s orderly and knows his habits well. Denísov orders him about harshly, especially when angry over the missing purse, while Lavrúshka answers with familiarity and apparent resilience.

  • T

    Telyáninconflicting source relationships

    Denisov accuses Telyanin of robbing the soldiers of food, strikes him, and is subsequently investigated for his violence.

Story so far

  1. BOOK 1War and Peace

Key events

  1. Book 1
    Ch. 32
    Rostóv Confronts TelyáninNicholas Rostóv discovers that Lieutenant Telyánin stole Denísov's purse and forces him to return the money.
  2. Book 1
    Ch. 286
    French Retreat and TarútinoNapoleon's army retreats from Moscow; Kutúzov harasses them at Tarútino and along the Smolensk road.
  3. Book 1
    Ch. 309
    Pétya Rostóv's DeathYoung Pétya Rostóv is killed during Denísov's raid on a French convoy.

Appearances

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