The fate of the characters is war and peace. "War and Peace": characters

"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy - not just classic novel, but the real one heroic epic, literary value which is incomparable to any other work. The writer himself considered it a poem where private life of a person is inseparable from the history of an entire country.

It took Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy seven years to perfect his novel. Back in 1863, the writer more than once discussed plans to create a large-scale literary canvas with his father-in-law A.E. Bersom. In September of the same year, the father of Tolstoy’s wife sent a letter from Moscow, where he mentioned the writer’s idea. Historians consider this date to be the official beginning of work on the epic. A month later, Tolstoy writes to his relative that all his time and attention is occupied by new novel, which he thinks about like never before.

History of creation

The writer's original idea was to create a work about the Decembrists, who spent 30 years in exile and returned home. Starting point The year described in the novel was supposed to be 1856. But then Tolstoy changed his plans, deciding to depict everything from the beginning of the Decembrist uprising of 1825. And this was not destined to come true: the writer’s third idea was the desire to describe the hero’s young years, which coincided with large-scale historical events: the War of 1812. The final version was the period from 1805. The circle of heroes was also expanded: the events in the novel cover the history of many individuals who went through all the hardships of different historical periods in the life of the country.

The title of the novel had several variations. “Workers” was the name “Three Times”: the youth of the Decembrists during the period Patriotic War 1812; The Decembrist uprising of 1825 and the 50s of the 19th century, when several important events took place in the history of Russia - Crimean War, the passing of Nicholas I, the return of amnestied Decembrists from Siberia. In the final version, the writer decided to focus on the first stage, since writing a novel, even on such a scale, required a lot of effort and time. So, instead of an ordinary work, a whole epic was born, which has no analogues in world literature.

Tolstoy devoted the entire autumn and early winter of 1856 to writing the beginning of War and Peace. Already at this time, he tried more than once to quit his job, because in his opinion it was impossible to convey the entire plan on paper. Historians say that in the writer’s archive there were fifteen versions of the beginning of the epic. In the process of his work, Lev Nikolaevich tried to find answers for himself to questions about the role of man in history. He had to study many chronicles, documents, materials describing the events of 1812. The confusion in the writer’s head was caused by the fact that all information sources gave different assessments of both Napoleon and Alexander I. Then Tolstoy decided to move away from the subjective statements of strangers and display in the novel his own assessment of events, based on true facts. From diverse sources he borrowed documentary materials, notes from contemporaries, newspaper and magazine articles, letters from generals, archival documents Rumyantsev Museum.

(Prince Rostov and Akhrosimova Marya Dmitrievna)

Considering it necessary to visit the scene of events, Tolstoy spent two days in Borodino. It was important for him to personally tour the place where large-scale and tragic events. He even personally made sketches of the sun on the field during different periods of the day.

The trip gave the writer the opportunity to experience the spirit of history in a new way; became a kind of inspiration for further work. For seven years, the work proceeded with elation and “burning.” The manuscripts consisted of more than 5,200 sheets. Therefore, War and Peace is easy to read even after a century and a half.

Analysis of the novel

Description

(Napoleon is thoughtful before the battle)

The novel “War and Peace” touches on a sixteen-year period in Russian history. The starting date is 1805, the final date is 1821. The work contains more than 500 characters. It's like real existing people, and fictitious by the writer to make the description colorful.

(Kutuzov, before the Battle of Borodino, considers a plan)

The novel intertwines two main storylines: historical events in Russia and the personal lives of heroes. Real historical figures mentioned in the description of the Austerlitz, Shengraben, Borodino battles; capture of Smolensk and surrender of Moscow. More than 20 chapters are devoted specifically to the Battle of Borodino, as the main decisive event of 1812.

(The illustration shows an episode of Natasha Rostova's Ball from their film "War and Peace" 1967.)

In opposition to “wartime,” the writer describes the personal world of people and everything that surrounds them. Heroes fall in love, quarrel, make peace, hate, suffer... In the confrontation between different characters, Tolstoy shows the difference in moral principles individuals. The writer is trying to tell that various events can change one’s worldview. One complete picture of the work consists of three hundred thirty-three chapters of 4 volumes and another twenty-eight chapters located in the epilogue.

First volume

The events of 1805 are described. The “peaceful” part touches on life in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The writer introduces the reader to the society of the main characters. The “military” part is the Battle of Austerlitz and Shengraben. Tolstoy concludes the first volume with a description of how military defeats affected peaceful life characters.

Second volume

(Natasha Rostova's first ball)

This is a completely “peaceful” part of the novel, which affected the lives of the heroes in the period 1806-1811: the birth of Andrei Bolkonsky’s love for Natasha Rostova; Freemasonry of Pierre Bezukhov, Karagin's kidnapping of Natasha Rostova, Bolkonsky's refusal to marry Natasha. The volume concludes with a description of a formidable omen: the appearance of a comet, which is a symbol of great upheaval.

Third volume

(The illustration shows an episode of Borodinsky's battle in the film "War and Peace" 1967.)

In this part of the epic, the writer turns to wartime: Napoleon’s invasion, the surrender of Moscow, battle of Borodino. On the battlefield the main male characters novel: Bolkonsky, Kuragin, Bezukhov, Dolokhov... The end of the volume is the capture of Pierre Bezukhov, who staged an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Napoleon.

Volume four

(After the battle, the wounded arrive in Moscow)

The “military” part is a description of the victory over Napoleon and the shameful retreat of the French army. The writer also touches on the period of partisan warfare after 1812. All this is intertwined with the “peaceful” destinies of the heroes: Andrei Bolkonsky and Helen pass away; love arises between Nikolai and Marya; think about life together Natasha Rostova and Pierre Bezukhov. And the main character of the volume is the Russian soldier Platon Karataev, through whose words Tolstoy tries to convey all the wisdom of the common people.

Epilogue

This part is devoted to describing the changes in the lives of the heroes seven years after 1812. Natasha Rostova is married to Pierre Bezukhov; Nikolai and Marya found their happiness; Bolkonsky’s son Nikolenka has matured. In the epilogue, the author reflects on the role of individuals in the history of an entire country, and tries to show historical relationships events and human destinies.

The main characters of the novel

More than 500 characters are mentioned in the novel. The author tried to describe the most important of them as accurately as possible, endowing them with special features not only of character, but also of appearance:

Andrei Bolkonsky is a prince, the son of Nikolai Bolkonsky. Constantly searching for the meaning of life. Tolstoy describes him as handsome, reserved and with “dry” features. He has strong will. Dies as a result of a wound received at Borodino.

Marya Bolkonskaya - princess, sister of Andrei Bolkonsky. Inconspicuous appearance and radiant eyes; piety and concern for relatives. In the novel, she marries Nikolai Rostov.

Natasha Rostova is the daughter of Count Rostov. In the first volume of the novel she is only 12 years old. Tolstoy describes her as not quite a girl beautiful appearance(black eyes, big mouth), but at the same time “alive”. Her inner beauty attracts men. Even Andrei Bolkonsky is ready to fight for your hand and heart. At the end of the novel she marries Pierre Bezukhov.

Sonya

Sonya is the niece of Count Rostov. In contrast to her cousin Natasha, she is beautiful in appearance, but much poorer mentally.

Pierre Bezukhov is the son of Count Kirill Bezukhov. An awkward, massive figure, kind and at the same time a strong character. He can be stern, or he can become a child. He is interested in Freemasonry. Tries to change the lives of peasants and influence large-scale events. Initially married to Helen Kuragina. At the end of the novel he takes Natasha Rostova as his wife.

Helen Kuragina is the daughter of Prince Kuragin. A beauty, a prominent socialite. She married Pierre Bezukhov. Changeable, cold. Died as a result of an abortion.

Nikolai Rostov is the son of Count Rostov and Natasha's brother. Successor of the family and defender of the Fatherland. He took part in military campaigns. He married Marya Bolkonskaya.

Fyodor Dolokhov is an officer, a participant in the partisan movement, as well as a big reveler and lover of ladies.

Countess of Rostov

Countess Rostov - parents of Nikolai, Natasha, Vera, Petya. A revered married couple, an example to follow.

Nikolai Bolkonsky is a prince, the father of Marya and Andrei. In Catherine's time, a significant personality.

The author pays much attention to the description of Kutuzov and Napoleon. The commander appears before us as smart, unfeigned, kind and philosophical. Napoleon is described as a small, fat man with an unpleasantly fake smile. At the same time, it is somewhat mysterious and theatrical.

Analysis and conclusion

In the novel “War and Peace” the writer tries to convey to the reader “ popular thought" Its essence is that each positive hero has his own connection with the nation.

Tolstoy moved away from the principle of telling a novel in the first person. The assessment of characters and events occurs through monologues and author's digressions. At the same time, the writer leaves the right to the reader to evaluate what is happening. A striking example The scene of the Battle of Borodino, shown both from the side, can serve as a similar example. historical facts, and the subjective opinion of the hero of the novel Pierre Bezukhov. The writer does not forget about the bright historical figure - General Kutuzov.

The main idea of ​​the novel lies not only in the disclosure of historical events, but also in the opportunity to understand that one must love, believe and live under any circumstances.

In the novel “War and Peace,” Leo Tolstoy conveyed the author’s vision of morals, the state of thoughts and worldview of the advanced stratum of Russian society in early XIX century. Problems of the state arise as a result of great world events and become the concern of every conscious citizen. The main characters of the novel “War and Peace” are representatives of influential families at the emperor’s court.

Andrey Bolkonsky

In the Battle of Schoenberg, a soldier rises to attack, carrying a fallen banner, like a real hero. In the Battle of Austerlitz, Bolkonsky is wounded and captured, freed by Napoleon. In the Battle of Borodino, a shell fragment hits the stomach to the brave warrior. The ladle died in agony in the arms of his beloved girl.

Tolstoy showed a man whose life priorities are national duty, military valor and the honor of his uniform. Representatives of the Russian aristocracy have always been carriers moral values monarchical power.

Natasha Rostova

Having married Pierre Bezukhov, she became a mother of many children, finding peace in family concerns. Leo Tolstoy created positive image Russian noblewoman, patriot and keeper of the hearth. The author is critical of the fact that after giving birth to four children, Natasha stopped taking care of herself. The author wants to see a woman unfading, fresh and well-groomed throughout her life.

Maria Bolkonskaya

The father was strict and biased, he tormented his daughter with lessons, this is how he demonstrated his love and care. Marya sacrificed her youth to her parent's old age and was with him until his last days. She replaced the mother of her nephew Nikolenka, trying to surround him with parental tenderness.

Maria met her fate during the war in the person of her savior Nikolai Rostov. Their relationship developed for a long time, both did not dare to take the first step. The gentleman was younger than his lady, this embarrassed the girl. The princess had a large inheritance from the Bolkonskys, which stopped the guy. They did it good family.

Pierre Bezukhov

In an instant, Bezukhov became a count and the owner of a huge fortune. The inexperienced, slow and gullible Pierre was used in selfish intrigues; he was quickly married to his daughter by Prince Vasily Kuragin. The hero had to go through the pain of betrayal, humiliation of his wife's lovers, a duel, Freemasonry and drunkenness.

The war cleansed the count’s soul, saved him from empty mental ordeals, and radically changed his worldview. Having gone through fire, captivity and the loss of dear people, Bezukhov found the meaning of life in family values, in the ideas of new post-war political reforms.

Illarion Mikhailovich Kutuzov

The commander looks like a kind, fat old man who, with his experience and knowledge of big battles trying to get Russia out of a difficult retreat situation. The Battle of Borodino and the surrender of Moscow was a cunning military combination that led to victory over the French army.
The author described the famous Kutuzov as ordinary person, a slave to his weaknesses, who has experience and wisdom accumulated over long years life. The general is an example of an army commander who takes care of the soldiers, worries about their uniforms, food and sleep.

Leo Tolstoy tried to convey through the image of the main characters of the novel difficult fate representatives high society Russia, which survived the European military storm of the early 19th century. Then a generation of Decembrists was formed, who would lay the foundation for new reforms, the result of which would be the abolition of serfdom.

The main feature that unites all the heroes is patriotism, love for the Motherland, and respect for parents.

One of the main mysteries of the Patriotic War of 1812 is the question of who actually initiated the fire in Moscow. Napoleon categorically rejected suggestions that the ancient Russian capital was set on fire on his orders. The Emperor accused the Moscow governor-general, Count Rostopchin, of deliberate arson, dubbing him “Herostratus.”

Fyodor Vasilyevich Rostopchin really dreamed all his life about great fame. However, not at all about this...

In war or at court

The son of a wealthy Oryol landowner, a retired major Vasily Fedorovich Rostopchin, got good home education. At the age of 10, a nobleman Fedor Rostopchin enlisted in the Preobrazhensky Regiment.

This was the practice of those times - being formally registered from an early age to military service, the nobles grew in rank, and by the time they actually appeared in their regiments they already had respectable titles.

After a three-year journey through Europe in 1786-1788, during which young Rostopchin alternated between entertainment and lectures at the university, he arrived in the regiment as a captain and lieutenant.

During Russian-Turkish war Rostopchin served under Suvorov, participated in the assault on Ochakov, in the battle of Focsani and the battle of Rymnik. Quite quickly becoming disillusioned with the prospects for a career in the military field, the young officer decided to succeed at court.

However, around the aging Catherine the Great There were already a lot of ambitious and attractive young people, so Rostopchin was not in demand.

The favor and disgrace of Emperor Paul

Rejected by the empress, Fyodor Rostopchin ended up in the heir's retinue, Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich, who gained confidence in him.

When Paul I became emperor, Rostopchin was promoted to adjutant general under His Imperial Majesty, and then promoted to major general and awarded the Order of St. Anna 2nd, and after that 1st degree.

The emperor's favor alternated with disfavor - in March 1798, Rostopchin was dismissed from service and exiled to his Voronovo estate near Moscow. But already in August of the same year, Paul I promoted him to lieutenant general, instructing him to head the Military Department.

In the same year, Rostopchin became cabinet minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In fact, over the next two years he led foreign policy empires.

In February 1799, Rostopchin was elevated to the dignity of count. Russian Empire. At the beginning of 1801, one of the closest people to Paul I again found himself in disgrace. Contributed to this Count Palen, who was at enmity with Rostopchin.

Together with his family, Rostopchin again left for Moscow, and literally three weeks later he learned that the emperor was no longer alive. He fell victim to a conspiracy ideological inspirer which was Palen.

The writer returns to service

Alexander I was wary of Rostopchin, and the count remained for a long time in his Voronov estate near Moscow. In addition to housekeeping, he became addicted to literary work. Most Rostopchin read his plays only to relatives and friends, after which he burned them. However, in 1807 his book “Thoughts Out Loud on the Red Porch” was published, and a year later the play “News, or Killed Alive” was staged in Moscow.

In 1810, Rostopchin's request to return to service was granted. He received the rank of chief chamberlain, but was ordered to be listed as “on leave.”

The wariness of Alexander I was explained simply - at the beginning of his reign he adhered to liberal views, and Rostopchin was a staunch conservative.

In 1812, however, people critical of Europe were in demand. On May 24, 1812, Fyodor Rostopchin was appointed Moscow military governor, and on May 29, 1812, Moscow commander-in-chief. Along with the position of commander-in-chief, he received the rank of infantry general.

"Posters of 1812"

In his new post, Rostopchin acted energetically. He initiated the gathering of a militia, which was joined by several tens of thousands of people, ensured the supply of provisions and everything necessary to the active army, and housed the wounded arriving in Moscow.

Separately, it is necessary to say about Rostopchin’s appeals. “Posters of 1812, or friendly messages from the commander-in-chief in Moscow to its inhabitants” were hung on the streets and distributed to the homes of citizens in the same way as theater ones. Calling on all his literary talent to help, the count branded the enemy, praised the Russian army, and promised the enemy imminent death. As Napoleon approached Moscow, the Posters stated that the city would not be surrendered to the enemy.

But the military governor himself did not rule out the fall of the city. In a letter Bagration he wrote: “I cannot imagine that the enemy could come to Moscow. Whenever it happens that you retreat to Vyazma, then I will begin the administration of all state things and will give everyone the freedom to get out, and the people here, out of loyalty to the sovereign and the fatherland, will decisively die at the walls of Moscow, and if God does not help them in their good enterprise, then, following the Russian rule: do not get it from the villain, he will turn the city into ashes, and Napoleon will receive instead of booty the place where the capital was. It’s not a bad idea to let him know about this, so that he doesn’t count millions and stores of bread, for he will find coal and ash.”

Thus, Rostopchin really had thoughts about burning the city. In addition, just before the French entered Moscow, fire extinguishing equipment was removed from it. True, the mayor himself claimed that this was done by will Field Marshal Kutuzov.

Public execution of the traitor Vereshchagin

After Kutuzov informed Rostopchin of his intention to surrender Moscow, the governor’s main concern was the evacuation of valuables. In general, he coped with the task, in contrast to the evacuation of wounded soldiers, of whom, according to various sources, there were from 2,000 to 10,000 left in Moscow. Some of them became victims of the Moscow fire.

The count himself found himself in difficult situation. In order not to heat up the atmosphere, he refused to evacuate his own property worth half a million rubles, leaving it to be plundered by the enemy. But even without this, leaving the city turned out to be difficult.

His house was besieged by angry Muscovites, who considered the governor a deceiver - after all, he had promised that Moscow would not be surrendered. Rostopchin was not afraid to talk to the people, but here he realized that words would not be enough.

On his orders, a merchant's son was brought to the house from prison Vereshchagina, arrested for distributing Napoleonic proclamations, and the Frenchman Moutona, sentenced to be beaten with batogs and exiled to Siberia.

In front of the crowd, the Count began to denounce the traitor, and then announced that he had been sentenced to death by the Senate. By order of Rostopchin, the dragoons struck Vereshchagin several times with sabers, after which the wounded but still alive man was thrown to be torn to pieces by angry Muscovites.

The pale Mouton expected the same terrible fate, but the governor had his own plans. He ordered the prisoner to be released, telling him: “Go to Napoleon and tell him how the Russians deal with traitors!”

Everything that Rostopchin did was blatant arbitrariness and a violation of the laws, but this allowed the count to leave Moscow.

“I am setting my house on fire so that it will not be desecrated by your presence.”

The count personally burned his estate in Voronovo, leaving the French with a plaque with the inscription: “For eight years I decorated this village, in which I enjoyed happiness among my family. When you approach, the townsfolk, 1,720 in number, leave their homes, and I set my house on fire so that it will not be desecrated by your presence.”

After this, Rostopchin left for Vladimir, from where he called on the people to lead against the enemy guerrilla warfare. He also released a new “Poster”: “We will destroy sufficient enemy force, we will bury them in Holy Rus', we will begin to beat them wherever we meet. There are very few of them left, and there are forty million of us people, flocking from all sides like a flock of eagles. We will exterminate the overseas reptile and give their bodies to the wolves and crows; and Moscow will be decorated again.”

Everything indicates that the count could have given the order to set fire to Moscow. Moreover, the fire confused the plans of Napoleon, who planned to spend the winter in Moscow.

But why then did Rostopchin subsequently stubbornly deny his involvement, even writing the book “The Truth about the Fire of Moscow”?

Firstly, arson itself ancient city as a measure to combat the enemy was perceived ambiguously. Secondly, the death of thousands of wounded soldiers in a fire was on Rostopchin’s conscience. Thirdly, Moscow homeowners were not averse to collecting damages from the culprit, which threatened the count with complete ruin.

On the other hand, if we assume that the fire arose from the actions of Napoleon’s soldiers, who could set fire to Moscow during the robberies, then the emperor’s desire to cleverly remove responsibility for the barbarity, shifting it onto the shoulders of the eccentric Rostopchin, is understandable.

“What does a monument made of cannons and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior mean to the people?”

The mayor returned to Moscow almost immediately after the French left. We must pay tribute to the count, he made a lot of efforts to ensure that the city returned to normal life. By the end of December 1812, the work of all public places in the city was restored. Food supplies were ensured, and assistance was provided to those who had lost their homes and property.

By January 1814, 4,806 stone and wooden houses had been rebuilt and repaired after the fire, that is, more than half of the buildings damaged by the fire. At the same time, Rostopchin did not hide his irritation, believing that St. Petersburg is not paying due attention to the restoration of Moscow: “What is a monument made of cannons and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to the people? To this day I do not have a penny for the poor, and if it were not for the remnants of emergency sums and my own money, five thousand faithful people would have died of hunger and poverty.” This is how the mayor responded to the emperor’s demand to collect French cannons to create a pompous monument in honor of the victory over Napoleon.

In 1814, Rostopchin, whose health was undermined by hard work, asked for resignation from the post of Moscow mayor, and Alexander I agreed to accept it.

Fyodor Rostopchin. Artist Orest Kiprensky.

Sorrows instead of honors

The count counted on high appreciation of his merits, but was awarded only the status of a member of the State Council without the obligation to attend meetings.

Having never received recognition at court, Rostopchin went abroad, officially to undergo a course of treatment. The “treatment” lasted for eight years, and the count spent almost six of them in Paris. There, however, he was also haunted by the fame of the “arsonist of Moscow.” And even the book he wrote, “The Truth about the Fire of Moscow,” did not change anything.

Poisoned life and family problems. Relations with his wife were difficult for many years, as Rostopchin could not come to terms with the fact that his wife converted to Catholicism and convinced his daughters to do the same. The son, who lived in Paris as a reveler and spendthrift, incurred debts of almost 100,000 rubles and ended up in prison, from where his father had to ransom him.

In 1823, Rostopchin’s favorite fell seriously ill. youngest daughter Elizabeth. The Count returned to his homeland, finally retired, and was ready to spend any money on Lisa’s treatment.

It didn’t help - in March 1825, 18-year-old Elizaveta Rostopchina died. This grief finally broke the former Moscow mayor. His own illnesses worsened, paralysis developed in December, and on January 18, 1826, Count Fyodor Vasilyevich Rostopchin died.

The Moscow mayor took his place in history. Although he never managed to get rid of the shadow of the fire of 1812.

Every book you read is another life lived, especially when the plot and characters are so well developed. “War and Peace” is a unique epic novel; there is nothing like it in either Russian or world literature. The events described in it take place in St. Petersburg, Moscow, foreign estates of nobles and in Austria over the course of 15 years. The characters are also striking in their scale.

"War and Peace" is a novel in which more than 600 characters are mentioned. Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy describes them so aptly that the few apt characteristics they are awarded cross-cutting characters, enough to form an idea about them. Therefore, "War and Peace" is whole life in all the fullness of colors, sounds and sensations. It's worth living.

The birth of an idea and creative quest

In 1856, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy began writing a story about the life of the Decembrist who returned after exile. The time of action was supposed to be 1810-1820. Gradually the period expanded until 1825. But by this time main character has already matured and become family man. And in order to better understand him, the author had to return to the period of his youth. And it coincided with a glorious era for Russia.

But Tolstoy could not write about the triumph over Bonaparte's France without mentioning failures and mistakes. Now the novel already consisted of three parts. The first (as conceived by the author) was supposed to describe the youth of the future Decembrist and his participation in the War of 1812. This is the first period of the hero's life. Tolstoy wanted to devote the second part to the Decembrist uprising. The third is the hero’s return from exile and his future life. However, Tolstoy quickly abandoned this idea: the work on the novel turned out to be too large-scale and painstaking.

Initially, Tolstoy limited the duration of his work to 1805-1812. The epilogue, dated 1920, appeared much later. But the author was concerned not only with the plot, but also with the characters. "War and Peace" is not a description of the life of one hero. The central figures are several characters at once. And the main character is the people, which is much larger than the thirty-year-old Decembrist Pyotr Ivanovich Labazov, who returned from exile.

Work on the novel took Tolstoy six years, from 1863 to 1869. And this does not take into account the six that went into developing the idea of ​​​​the Decembrist, which became its basis.

The system of characters in the novel "War and Peace"

The main character in Tolstoy is the people. But in his understanding, he represents not just a social category, but a creative force. According to Tolstoy, the people are all the best that is in the Russian nation. Moreover, this includes not only representatives of the lower classes, but also those of the nobles who have a desire to live for the sake of others.

Tolstoy contrasts representatives of the people with Napoleon, the Kuragins and other aristocrats - regulars at Anna Pavlovna Scherer's salon. This negative characters novel "War and Peace". Already in the description of their appearance, Tolstoy emphasizes the mechanical nature of their existence, lack of spirituality, “animality” of actions, lifelessness of smiles, selfishness and inability to compassion. They are incapable of change. Tolstoy does not see the possibility of their spiritual development, so they remain forever frozen, distant from the real understanding of life.

Researchers often distinguish two subgroups of “folk” characters:

• Those who are endowed with “simple consciousness”. They easily distinguish right from wrong, guided by the “mind of the heart.” This subgroup includes such characters as Natasha Rostova, Kutuzov, Platon Karataev, Alpatych, officers Timokhin and Tushin, soldiers and partisans.
• Those who are “looking for themselves.” Upbringing and class barriers prevent them from connecting with the people, but they manage to overcome them. This subgroup includes such characters as Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. It is these heroes who are shown capable of development, internal changes. They are not without shortcomings; they make mistakes in their life quests, but pass all tests with dignity. Sometimes Natasha Rostova is included in this group. After all, she too was once carried away by Anatole, forgetting about her beloved Prince Bolkonsky. The War of 1812 becomes a kind of catharsis for this entire subgroup, which makes them look at life differently and discard the class conventions that previously prevented them from living according to the dictates of their hearts, as the people do.

The simplest classification

Sometimes the characters in War and Peace are even more divided simple principle- by the ability to live for the sake of others. Such a character system is also possible. “War and Peace,” like any other work, is the author’s vision. Therefore, everything in the novel happens in accordance with Lev Nikolaevich’s worldview. The people, in Tolstoy’s understanding, are the personification of all the best that is in the Russian nation. Characters such as the Kuragin family, Napoleon, and many regulars at the Scherer salon know how to live only for themselves.

Along Arkhangelsk and Baku

• “Life-wasters,” from Tolstoy’s point of view, are the furthest from the correct understanding of existence. This group lives only for themselves, selfishly neglecting those around them.
• "Leaders" This is what Arkhangelsky and Buck call those who think they control history. For example, the authors include Napoleon in this group.
• “Wise men” are those who understood the true world order and were able to trust providence.
• "Ordinary people". This group, according to Arkhangelsky and Buck, includes those who know how to listen to their hearts, but do not particularly strive for anything.
• “Truth Seekers” are Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. Throughout the novel, they painfully search for the truth, strive to understand what the meaning of life is.
• IN separate group The authors of the textbook single out Natasha Rostova. They believe that it is at the same time close to “ ordinary people", and to the "wise men". The girl easily comprehends life empirically and knows how to listen to the voice of her heart, but the most important thing for her is family and children, as it should be, according to Tolstoy, for an ideal woman.

You can consider many more classifications of the characters in War and Peace, but they all ultimately come down to the simplest one, which fully reflects the worldview of the author of the novel. After all, he saw true happiness in serving others. Therefore, positive (“folk”) heroes know how and want to do this, but negative ones do not.

L.N. Tolstoy “War and Peace”: female characters

Any work is a reflection of the author's vision of life. According to Tolstoy, the highest purpose of a woman is to care for her husband and children. It is the keeper of the hearth that the reader sees Natasha Rostova in the epilogue of the novel.

All positive female characters in War and Peace fulfill their highest purpose. The happiness of motherhood and family life endowed by the author and Maria Bolkonskaya. Interestingly, she is perhaps the most positive hero novel. Princess Marya has practically no flaws. Despite her varied education, she still finds her purpose, as befits a Tolstoy heroine, in caring for her husband and children.

A completely different fate awaited Helen Kuragina and the little princess, who saw no joy in motherhood.

Pierre Bezukhov

This is Tolstoy's favorite character. "War and Peace" describes him as a man who by nature has a highly noble character, so he easily understands the people. All his mistakes are due to the aristocratic conventions instilled in him by his upbringing.

Throughout the novel, Pierre experiences many mental traumas, but does not become embittered or become less good-natured. He is loyal and responsive, often forgetting about himself in an effort to serve others. Having married Natasha Rostova, Pierre found that grace and true happiness that he so lacked in his first marriage to the completely false Helen Kuragina.

Lev Nikolaevich loves his hero very much. He describes in detail its formation and spiritual development from the very beginning to the end. The example of Pierre shows that the main thing for Tolstoy is responsiveness and devotion. The author rewards him with happiness with his favorite female heroine - Natasha Rostova.

From the epilogue one can understand Pierre's future. By changing himself, he strives to transform society. He does not accept the contemporary political foundations of Russia. It can be assumed that Pierre will participate in the Decembrist uprising, or at least actively support it.

Andrey Bolkonsky

The reader first meets this hero in the salon of Anna Pavlovna Scherer. He is married to Lisa - the little princess, as she is called, and will soon become a father. Andrei Bolkonsky behaves extremely arrogantly with all the regulars of Sherer. But the reader soon notices that this is only a mask. Bolkonsky understands that those around him cannot understand his spiritual quest. He talks to Pierre in a completely different way. But Bolkonsky at the beginning of the novel is not alien to the ambitious desire to achieve heights in the military field. It seems to him that he is above aristocratic conventions, but it turns out that his eyes are just as blinkered as those of others. Andrei Bolkonsky realized too late that he should have given up his feelings for Natasha in vain. But this insight comes to him only before his death.

Like other “searching” characters in Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace,” Bolkonsky spends his entire life trying to find the answer to the question of what is the meaning of human existence. But he understands highest value family is too late.

Natasha Rostova

This is my favorite female character Tolstoy. However, the entire Rostov family seems to the author to be the ideal of nobles living in unity with the people. Natasha cannot be called beautiful, but she is lively and attractive. The girl has a good sense of people's moods and characters.

According to Tolstoy, internal beauty does not combine with external beauty. Natasha is attractive due to her character, but her main qualities are simplicity and closeness to the people. However, at the beginning of the novel she lives in her own illusion. Disappointment in Anatol makes her an adult and contributes to the heroine’s maturation. Natasha begins to attend church and ultimately finds happiness in family life with Pierre.

Marya Bolkonskaya

The prototype of this heroine was Lev Nikolaevich’s mother. It is not surprising that it is almost completely devoid of flaws. She, like Natasha, is ugly, but has a very rich inner world. Like others positive characters novel "War and Peace", at the end she also becomes happy, becoming the keeper of the hearth in her own family.

Helen Kuragina

Tolstoy has a multifaceted characterization of his characters. War and Peace describes Helen as a cutesy woman with a fake smile. It immediately becomes clear to the reader what external beauty there is no internal filling. Marrying her becomes a test for Pierre and does not bring happiness.

Nikolay Rostov

The core of any novel is its characters. War and Peace describes Nikolai Rostov as a loving brother and son, as well as a true patriot. Lev Nikolaevich saw in this hero the prototype of his father. Having gone through the hardships of the war, Nikolai Rostov retires to pay off his family's debts and finds his true love in the person of Marya Bolkonskaya.

Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, with his pure Russian pen, gave life to a whole world of characters in the novel “War and Peace.” His fictional characters, which are intertwined into entire noble families or family ties between families, are to the modern reader a real reflection of those people who lived in the times described by the author. One of greatest books"War and Peace" of world significance with the confidence of a professional historian, but at the same time, as if in a mirror, presents to the whole world that Russian spirit, those characters of secular society, those historical events that were invariably present at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries.
And against the backdrop of these events, it is shown in all its power and diversity.

L.N. Tolstoy and the heroes of the novel “War and Peace” experience the events of the past nineteenth century, but Lev Nikolaevich begins to describe the events of 1805. The coming war with the French, the decisively approaching whole world and growing greatness of Napoleon, the turmoil in Moscow secular circles and the visible calm in St. Petersburg secular society - all this can be called a kind of background against which, as genius artist, the author drew his characters. There are quite a lot of heroes - about 550 or 600. There are main and central figures, and there are others or just mentioned ones. In total, the heroes of War and Peace can be divided into three groups: central, secondary and mentioned characters. Among all of them, there are both fictional characters, prototypes of people who surrounded the writer at that time, and real historical figures. Let's look at the main characters novel.

Quotes from the novel “War and Peace”

- ... I often think how unfairly the happiness of life is sometimes distributed.

A person cannot own anything while he is afraid of death. And whoever is not afraid of her, everything belongs to him.

Until now, thank God, I have been a friend of my children and enjoy their complete trust,” said the countess, repeating the misconception of many parents who believe that their children have no secrets from them.

Everything, from napkins to silver, earthenware and crystal, bore that special imprint of novelty that happens in the household of young spouses.

If everyone fought only according to their convictions, there would be no war.

Being an enthusiast made her social status, and sometimes, when she didn’t even want to, she, in order not to deceive the expectations of people who knew her, became an enthusiast.

Everything, to love everyone, to always sacrifice oneself for love, meant not loving anyone, meant not living this earthly life.

Never, never marry, my friend; Here's my advice to you: don't get married until you tell yourself that you did everything you could, and until you stop loving the woman you chose, until you see her clearly; otherwise you will make a cruel and irreparable mistake. Marry an old man who is worthless...

The central figures of the novel "War and Peace"

Rostov - counts and countesses

Rostov Ilya Andreevich

Count, father of four children: Natasha, Vera, Nikolai and Petya. A very kind and generous person who loved life very much. His exorbitant generosity ultimately led him to wastefulness. Loving husband and father. A very good organizer of various balls and receptions. However, his life on a grand scale, and selfless assistance to the wounded during the war with the French and the departure of the Russians from Moscow, dealt fatal blows to his condition. His conscience constantly tormented him because of the impending poverty of his family, but he could not help himself. After the death of his youngest son Petya, the count was broken, but nevertheless revived during the preparations for the wedding of Natasha and Pierre Bezukhov. Literally a few months pass after the Bezukhovs’ wedding when Count Rostov dies.

Rostova Natalya (wife of Ilya Andreevich Rostov)

The wife of Count Rostov and the mother of four children, this woman, aged forty-five, had oriental features. The concentration of slowness and sedateness in her was regarded by those around her as solidity and the high importance of her personality for the family. But real reason Her mannerisms are perhaps due to her exhausted and weak physical condition from giving birth and raising four children. She loves her family and children very much, so the news of the death of her youngest son Petya almost drove her crazy. Just like Ilya Andreevich, Countess Rostova was very fond of luxury and the fulfillment of any of her orders.

Leo Tolstoy and the heroes of the novel “War and Peace” in Countess Rostova helped reveal the prototype of the author’s grandmother, Pelageya Nikolaevna Tolstoy.

Rostov Nikolay

Son of Count Rostov Ilya Andreevich. Loving brother and the son, who honors his family, at the same time loves to serve in Russian army, which is very significant and important for his dignity. Even in his fellow soldiers, he often saw his second family. Even though there was for a long time in love with his cousin Sonya, yet at the end of the novel he marries Princess Marya Bolkonskaya. A very energetic young man, with curly hair and an “open expression.” His patriotism and love for the Emperor of Russia never dried up. Having gone through many hardships of war, he becomes a brave and courageous hussar. After the death of Father Ilya Andreevich, Nikolai retires in order to improve the family’s financial affairs, pay off debts and, finally, become good husband for Marya Bolkonskaya.

Introduced to Tolstoy Lev Nikolaevich as a prototype of his father.

Rostova Natasha

Daughter of Count and Countess Rostov. A very energetic and emotional girl, considered ugly, but lively and attractive, she is not very smart, but intuitive, because she knew how to perfectly “guess people,” their mood and some character traits. Very impulsive towards nobility and self-sacrifice. She sings and dances very beautifully, which at that time was an important characteristic for a girl from secular society. Natasha’s most important quality, which Leo Tolstoy, like his heroes, repeatedly emphasize in the novel “War and Peace” is her closeness to the ordinary Russian people. And she herself completely absorbed the Russianness of culture and the strength of the spirit of the nation. However, this girl lives in her illusion of goodness, happiness and love, which, after some time, brings Natasha into reality. It is these blows of fate and her heartfelt experiences that make Natasha Rostova an adult and ultimately give her a mature true love to Pierre Bezukhov. The story of the rebirth of her soul deserves special respect, how Natasha began to attend church after succumbing to the temptation of a deceitful seducer. If you are interested in Tolstoy's works, which take a deeper look at the Christian heritage of our people, then you need to read about how he fought temptation.

Collective prototype of the writer's daughter-in-law Kuzminskaya Tatiana Andreevna, as well as her sister - the wife of Lev Nikolaevich - Sofia Andreevna.

Rostova Vera

Daughter of Count and Countess Rostov. She was famous for her strict disposition and inappropriate, albeit fair, remarks in society. It is unknown why, but her mother did not really love her and Vera felt this acutely, apparently, which is why she often went against everyone around her. Later she became the wife of Boris Drubetsky.

She is the prototype of Tolstoy’s sister Sophia, the wife of Lev Nikolaevich, whose name was Elizaveta Bers.

Rostov Peter

Just a boy, the son of Count and Countess Rostov. Growing up, Petya, as a young man, was eager to go to war, and in such a way that his parents could not restrain him at all. Having finally escaped from parental care and joined Denisov’s hussar regiment. Petya dies in the first battle, without having had time to fight. His death greatly affected his family.

Sonya

The miniature, nice girl Sonya was the niece of Count Rostov and lived all her life under his roof. Her long-term love for Nikolai Rostov became fatal for her, because she never managed to unite with him in marriage. In addition, the old count Natalya Rostova was very against their marriage, because they were cousins. Sonya acts nobly, refusing Dolokhov and agreeing to love only Nikolai for the rest of her life, while freeing him from his promise to marry her. She lives the rest of her life under the old countess in the care of Nikolai Rostov.

The prototype of this seemingly insignificant character was Lev Nikolaevich’s second cousin, Tatyana Aleksandrovna Ergolskaya.

Bolkonsky - princes and princesses

Bolkonsky Nikolai Andreevich

The father of the main character, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. In the past, the current general-in-chief, in the present, a prince who earned himself the nickname “Prussian king” in Russian secular society. Socially active, strict like a father, tough, pedantic, but wise master of his estate. Outwardly, he was a thin old man in a powdered white wig, thick eyebrows hanging over penetrating and intelligent eyes. He doesn’t like to show feelings even to his beloved son and daughter. He constantly torments his daughter Marya with nagging and sharp words. Sitting on his estate, Prince Nikolai is constantly on the alert for events taking place in Russia, and only before his death does he lose a full understanding of the scale of the tragedy of the Russian war with Napoleon.

The prototype of Prince Nikolai Andreevich was the writer’s grandfather Nikolai Sergeevich Volkonsky.

Bolkonsky Andrey

Prince, son of Nikolai Andreevich. He is ambitious, just like his father, restrained in the manifestation of sensual impulses, but loves his father and sister very much. Married to the “little princess” Lisa. Made a good one military career. He philosophizes a lot about life, meaning and the state of his spirit. From which it is clear that he is in some kind of constant search. After the death of his wife, in Natasha Rostova he saw hope for himself, a real girl, and not a fake one as in secular society, and some light of future happiness, so he was in love with her. Having proposed to Natasha, he was forced to go abroad for treatment, which served as a real test for both of their feelings. As a result, their wedding fell through. Prince Andrey went to war with Napoleon and was seriously wounded, after which he did not survive and died from a serious wound. Natasha devotedly looked after him until the end of his death.

Bolkonskaya Marya

Daughter of Prince Nikolai and sister of Andrei Bolkonsky. A very meek girl, not beautiful, but kind-hearted and very rich, like a bride. Her inspiration and devotion to religion serves as an example of good morals and meekness to many. She unforgettably loves her father, who often mocked her with his ridicule, reproaches and injections. And he also loves his brother, Prince Andrei. She did not immediately accept Natasha Rostova as her future daughter-in-law, because she seemed too frivolous for her brother Andrei. After all the hardships she has experienced, she marries Nikolai Rostov.

The prototype of Marya is the mother of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy - Maria Nikolaevna Volkonskaya.

Bezukhovs - counts and countesses

Bezukhov Pierre (Peter Kirillovich)

One of the main characters who deserves close attention and the most positive assessment. This character has experienced a lot of emotional trauma and pain, possessing a kind and highly noble disposition. Tolstoy and the heroes of the novel “War and Peace” very often express their love and acceptance of Pierre Bezukhov as a man of very high morals, complacent and a man of a philosophical mind. Lev Nikolaevich loves his hero, Pierre, very much. As a friend of Andrei Bolkonsky, the young Count Pierre Bezukhov is very loyal and responsive. Despite the various intrigues weaving under his nose, Pierre did not become embittered and did not lose his good nature towards people. And having married Natalya Rostova, he finally found the grace and happiness that he so lacked in his first wife, Helen. At the end of the novel, his desire to change the political foundations in Russia can be traced, and from afar one can even guess his Decembrist sentiments. (100%) 4 votes