War and Peace · Character
Zherkóv
Also known as Hussar cornet Zherkóv
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 29
Zherkóv carries himself with a conspicuous, almost boyish air, quick to mimic others and draw attention. Beneath the lively performance, a note of unease can flicker through, making his confidence feel less settled than it first appears.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 29
- Books
- 1
A Hussar cornet known for mimicry and comic performance, Zherkóv moves among the officers as a familiar, attention-catching presence. Serving as Prince Bagratión’s adjutant, he is entrusted with a message to the commander during the confusion of battle, but panic overtakes him as he rides. Later, his restless glances and loud laughter suggest how readily he uses bravado to cover discomfort. His brief arc leaves a portrait of a man whose social ease falters when courage is demanded.
Description
Zherkóv has a high-shouldered figure and a manner that can seem naïve, gloomy, or brightly performative depending on the moment. He wears a Hussar officer’s uniform and is often seen on horseback, with a hand raised to his cap. His face is notable chiefly for its changing expression: a fixed, grave gaze at one moment, an uneasy glance or loud, beaming laugh at another. The text gives no reliable details of his hair, eyes, skin tone, or exact build.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
- N
Nesvítskifellow officers and companions
The two officers are together laughing in the corridor before Zherkóv makes an ill-timed joke about Mack's defeat. Nesvítski later laughs with Andrew, suggesting easy camaraderie with Zherkóv despite the reprimand that follows.
- PP
Prince Pyotr Ivánovich Bagratiónofficer and messenger
Bagratión sends Zherkóv to deliver an urgent retreat order to the left flank, but Zherkóv’s panic prevents him from carrying it out.
- KB
Karl Bogdánich Schubertformer subordinate and former regimental chief
Zherkóv, recently returned to the regiment’s orbit as an orderly officer to Prince Bagration, brings Schubert the order to burn the bridge. Schubert questions his message and resents the confusion over who issued the order.
Prince Andrew Bolkónskiangry confrontation between fellow officers
Andrew rebukes Zherkóv for joking about the destruction of the allied army, calling his behavior disgraceful and warning him not to play the fool in his presence. Their conflict reflects Andrew's seriousness about military duty versus Zherkóv's flippancy.
- FI
Fëdor Ivánovich Dólokhovestranged former companions
They once belonged to the same wild Petersburg circle, but Zherkóv failed to acknowledge Dólokhov when he met him abroad as a private. Now Zherkóv approaches with forced old-friend cordiality, while Dólokhov answers coldly and rejects his offer of help.
Story so far
BOOK 1War and Peace
Appearances
Meet Zherkóv in Bookworm
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