War and Peace

Main Characters and Their Development

• Pierre Bezukhov - one of the main characters, heir to a vast fortune, undergoes spiritual and personal trials, seeks the meaning of life and finds it in serving others and love.
• Andrei Bolkonsky - a prince and officer, experiences disillusionment with military glory and personal life, seeks inner peace and meaning, finds it in love for Natasha Rostova, but dies from his wounds.
• Natasha Rostova - a young, lively girl who goes through many trials, matures, loses and regains love, ultimately finds happiness in family life with Pierre Bezukhov.
• Mary Bolkonskaya - sister of Andrei Bolkonsky, religious and devoted to her family, goes through trials, finds happiness in marriage to Nikolai Rostov.
• Nikolai Rostov - brother of Natasha Rostova, an officer devoted to his family and duty, faces financial difficulties, finds happiness in marriage to Mary Bolkonskaya.
• Helene Kuragina - wife of Pierre Bezukhov, a beautiful and ambitious woman, leads a dissolute life, dies of illness.
• Anatole Kuragin - brother of Helene, an officer, leads a reckless life, attempts to abduct Natasha Rostova, is severely wounded in the war.
• Kutuzov - a Russian general, wise and experienced, leads the Russian army to victory over Napoleon, symbolizes the wisdom and resilience of the people.