War & Peace: Who’s Who

Keep up with the intrigue of Tolstoy’s titanic saga with our guide to the movers and shakers of high society…

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Pierre Bezukov

Bespectacled, baby-faced Pierre Bezukhov certainly cuts an awkward figure amid the pomposity and pomp of the Russian aristocracy. But, what he lacks in social experience and confidence, he more than make up for in status. For Pierre is the son of an eye-wateringly wealthy count, and that makes him quite the catch for eligible single ladies. But will Pierre’s strong political opinions, and admiration for Russia’s great enemy Napoleon, cost him dear?
Natasha Rostova

The pampered daughter of a count and countess, Natasha Rostova is a free-spirited young woman eager to embrace all the glittering possibilities of life. Of course, her privileged position in society means she’s never really known hardship, and can afford to be wide-eyed and idealistic. Spurred on by the love blossoming between her brother Nikolai and cousin Sonya, Natasha is now very keen to experience such passion for herself…
Sonya Rostova

Sonya is the odd one out in high society Russia, because she has almost no money of her own. Orphaned at a young age, she was adopted by her relatives in the Rostov clan, and raised alongside her cousins Natasha and Nikolai. Love has since blossomed between Sonya and Nikolai, much to the annoyance of Nikolai’s mother, who is adamant that her son deserves a better (that is to say, richer) match. But what does Nikolai himself really want?
Nikolai Rostov

Growing up alongside Sonya, Nikolai couldn’t help develop feelings for his penniless, orphaned cousin. But if there’s one thing he’s even more passionate about, it’s the war against Napoleon. Determined to leave his plush surroundings and become a chivalrous warrior for his nation, Nikolai is willing to risk his life for glory. But does this mean heartbreak lies ahead for Sonya?
Andrei Bolkonsky

Prince Andrei Bolkonsky has it all. Handsome, wealthy, well-connected and about to have his first child with wife Lise. But he isn’t happy. The frivolous, gossipy world of aristocratic Russia leaves him cold, and he’s craving to have meaning in his life. So the outbreak of war seems to be just the thing, inspiring Andrei to enlist as a soldier and follow a new calling. Which is all very well for him, but what about the pregnant wife he unceremoniously leaves behind at his father’s isolated rural estate?
Boris Drubetskoy

Distantly related to the Rostov dynasty, Boris Drubetskoy isn’t exactly a social climber in his own right. He doesn’t need to be, because his devoted mother is trying to pull all the strings on his behalf. But while her ambitious dreams for him make Boris cringe, he certainly has his eyes on the future. The war against Napoleon gives him a chance to shine, and he may even be able to snag Natasha Rostova as a potential bride if he plays his cards right…
Anna Mikhailovna

Anna Mikhailovna isn’t the richest or most privileged aristocrat in Russia, but she does have one thing in spades: ambition. Particularly when it comes to her son Boris, whose future she takes into her own hands. Absolutely determined to see her beloved offspring triumph in life, she’ll cajole and coerce the right people into helping Boris get ahead. And if Boris himself feels awkward about it, well… that’s just tough.
Anatole Kuragin and Helene Kuragina

Anatole

A wolf in aristocrat’s clothing, Anatole Kuragin lives to satisfy his baser passions. These include hard drinking, hard partying and rampant womanising. Thanks to his roguish ways, he has a tarnished reputation in high society, though his father is doing his best to steer Anatole onto a more respectable path. That means finding the right bride, but Anatole seems to have eyes for someone shockingly inappropriate…

Helene

Helene is Anatole’s sister, and – like him – a person who unashamedly follows her own rules. She also seems to have an unnaturally intimate bond with Anatole. Put it this way, these siblings are very close indeed. But will her father succeed in pushing this headstrong femme fatale towards a suitable marriage with a suitably filthy rich husband?
Anna Pavlovna

Anna Pavlovna is unmarried, which – at her age – makes her a “spinster” in Russian society. But that word in no way conveys just how glamorous and sought-after she is. Anna is a sly society hostess, and her home is an epicentre of saucy gossip and political intrigue. Positioning herself in the middle of a complex web of alliances and rivalries, Anna knows everybody’s secrets, and has a fondness for matchmaking and stirring. She is also tremendous fun.