Dramatis Personae
Introduced as the older son of Prince Vasíli Kurágin, in the diplomatic service but dissipated and foolish.
Part I: 1805
Makes a social blunder with a story in French, providing comic relief and highlighting the superficiality of the gathering.
Anna Pavlovna's Soirée
Mentioned by Vasili as a 'quiet fool,' one of his two disappointing sons.
Anna Pavlovna's Soirée (Part 2)
Arrives with Mortemart, whom he introduces.
Anna Pávlovna's Soirée (Part 2)
Joins the circle, noted for his ugliness and imbecilic expression despite resembling his sister; makes an awkward comment about ghost stories.
V
Attempts to lighten the mood with a poorly told, unintelligible anecdote, displaying his social awkwardness.
Chapter VI
Acts awkwardly and intrusively, whispering to and lingering near Princess Liza. His clumsy behavior and laughter highlight his foolishness and lack of social grace.
Chapter VII
Mentioned in passing by Princess Liza as a reference to the tone she used in a previous social setting.
Chapter IX
Not present in the provided excerpts.
The Rostovs' Name Day
Mentioned indirectly via gossip about Anatole Kuragin's scandal and expulsion from Petersburg, establishing the Kuragin family's notorious reputation.
Farewells at Bald Hills
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
Chapter V
Not present in the provided excerpts.
Chapter IX
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
Chapter XI
A secretary to the embassy and the butt of the set's jokes. His pompous, nonsensical attempt to discuss politics is met with derisive laughter, revealing his incompetence and social role as a fool.
I
Mentioned in Pierre's internal monologue as Hélène's brother, part of the family history that gives Pierre pause about pursuing her.
Chapter II
Implied to be among the 'members of the family' at the supper where the fate of his sister Hélène is to be decided.
V
Not present in the provided excerpts.
The Council of War Before Austerlitz
Not present in this chapter.
The Standard and the Sky
Not present in this chapter's excerpts.
The Banquet for Prince Bagratión at the English Club
Not mentioned in the provided excerpts.
The Duel
Not mentioned in the provided excerpts.
VII
Not present in this chapter.
Pierre's Initiation into Freemasonry
Indirectly referenced through the 'Swiss who had formerly been tutor at the Kurágins'', connecting the ceremony to Petersburg society.
Chapter VI
Present at the soirée, described by Anna Pávlovna as a 'charming young fellow'.
VII
Attempts and fails to deliver a joke about 'Le Roi de Prusse,' disrupting the conversation and appearing foolish.
Pierre's Initiation into Freemasonry
Indirectly referenced through the mention of a Swiss tutor who formerly worked at the Kurágins', placing the Masons within Pierre's known social circle.
Chapter VI
Present at the soirée, described by Anna Pavlovna as a 'charming young fellow' upon his introduction to Boris.
VII
Attempts to tell a joke about 'Le Roi de Prusse' but fails to deliver it coherently, causing awkwardness and Anna Pavlovna's disapproval.
Chapter XVI
Not present in this chapter.
Tilsit and the Meeting of Emperors
Not present in this chapter.
Chapter XIX
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
Chapter IX
Not directly present, but his brother Anatole is the central Kuragin figure in this chapter.
Chapter XIII
Not mentioned in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
The Ball at Zakret
Not directly mentioned, but his sister Elèn (Countess Bezúkhova) is a central figure in the ball scene.
The Moscow Assembly of Nobles
Not explicitly mentioned in the provided excerpts.
The Emperor's Appeal to the Nobility
Not present or mentioned in the provided excerpts.
The Moscow Assembly of Nobles
Not directly mentioned in the provided excerpts, but implied to be among the transformed, familiar personalities in uniform at the gathering.
IV
Not present in this chapter's excerpts.
VI
Not directly mentioned in the provided excerpts, but his sister Hélène's salon is a central setting. He is implied to be part of that French-leaning circle.
IV
Not present in this chapter.
Princess Márya's Dilemma at Boguchárovo
Not present in this chapter's excerpts.
VI
Not directly active, but his sister Hélène's salon is a central setting for the pro-French, pro-Napoleon viewpoint, representing the opposing camp.
Princess Márya at Boguchárovo
Not present in the chapter. No direct mention or action.
I
Makes an awkward, nonsensical remark ('The path to Warsaw, perhaps') in an attempt to be witty, highlighting his foolishness.
I
Makes an awkward, nonsensical interjection ('The path to Warsaw, perhaps') that highlights his social ineptitude.
Pierre Before Davout
Not present in the excerpts.
Chapter XII
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
Chapter IV
Not present in this chapter.
XIV
Not present in this chapter's excerpts.
The Retreat and the Fall of Kutúzov
Not present in this chapter's excerpts.
