# Prince Vorontsóv — Hadji Murád character guide

> Prince Vorontsóv in Hadji Murád by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Prince Simon Mikhailovich Vorontsóv, Vorontsóv, Young Vorontsóv, Simon, Kunák Vorontsóv

**First appearance:** 0001-hadji-mur-d

## Snapshot

The polished Russian Viceroy who receives Hadji Murád with courtly charm while quietly calculating how best to use him against Shamil.

## Who they are

Vorontsóv is a diplomat first and a soldier second, greeting Hadji Murád with flattering words about the Tsar's mercy while privately wondering how much of the mountaineer's story he can trust. He knows the game: he offers protection, promises to think things over, and sends his guest to the theatre to be seen, all without committing to anything that might cost him. His courteous evasions embody the imperial machine's habit of absorbing a dangerous man rather than answering him.

## Relationships

### [Hadji Murád](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/characters/hadji_murad)

_professional_

Hadji Murád defects to the Russians and becomes a temporary ally of Prince Vorontsóv, who sees him as a valuable asset but remains wary.

### [Hadji Murád](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/characters/hadji_murad)

_professional_

Hadji Murád defects to the Russians and becomes a temporary ally of Prince Vorontsóv, who sees him as a valuable asset but remains wary.

### [Hadji Murád](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/characters/hadji_murad)

_professional_

Hadji Murád defects to the Russians and becomes a temporary ally of Prince Vorontsóv, who sees him as a valuable asset but remains wary.

## In the story

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/iii)

Hosts the card game, is called away by the officer on duty, returns pleased, orders champagne, and hints at a meeting with Hadji Murád.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/v)

Rides out to meet Hadji Murád, accepts his surrender, and returns to the fort in a cheerful mood.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/vi)

Pleased with his success in winning over Hadji Murád, but anxious about the potential conflict with General Meller-Zakomélsky.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/ix)

Hosts a dinner party in Tiflis, receives news of Hadji Murád's surrender, and skillfully navigates conversation to maintain his authority and popularity.

### [Hadji Murád's Surrender and First Days Among the Russians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/x)

Receives Hadji Murád with calculated courtesy, aware of the mutual deception; hosts the ball and opera, but avoids discussing Hadji Murád's family ransom at the social event.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/xiv)

Writes a detailed letter to the Minister of War, assessing Hadji Murád's situation and deciding on a course of action.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/xxi)

Hosts the farewell dinner for Kozlóvsky, introduces Butler to Baryátinsky.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/xxii)

Vaguely promises to help Hadji Murád but delays action, sending an official to summon him to Tiflis.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in French phrases and notes about his actions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/characters/prince_vorontsov
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadji_mur_d_se/characters