Princess Márya Bolkónskaya

Dramatis Personae

Introduced as the daughter of Prince Nikoláy Bolkónski.

War and Peace

Mentioned indirectly through the actions of Alpátych, the family steward, who is managing the Bolkónski estate at Bald Hills as the war approaches.

Anna Pavlovna's Soirée

Proposed as a potential bride for Anatole Kuragin. Described as rich, of good family, unhappy, and living with her eccentric, stingy father in the country.

Chapter VI

Not present in the provided excerpts.

Chapter XIX

NOT PRESENT. (Note: Márya Dmítrievna is a different character, not in the canonical list.)

XXV

Reads Julie's gossip-filled letter and writes a pious, thoughtful reply. She lives under the strict, regimented rule of her father at Bald Hills.

XXVI

Overjoyed at her brother's arrival, she has an emotional, tearful reunion with her sister-in-law. Her loving, gentle gaze is fixed on Andrei, and she is concerned about his departure for war.

XXVII

Present at dinner, reveres her father unconditionally and is puzzled by Andrei's criticism of him.

Farewells at Bald Hills

Deeply devoted to her father and brother; gives Andrei a family icon for protection; defends her father's character and shows compassion for the little princess and Mademoiselle Bourienne.

Chapter III

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

The Stolen Purse

Not present in the provided excerpts.

Chapter V

Not present in the provided excerpts.

Chapter VIII

Not present in the provided excerpts.

Chapter IX

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter XIX

Not present in the provided excerpts. No direct involvement in the events of this chapter.

The Suitors Arrive at Bald Hills

Agitated and ashamed by the arrival of a suitor, forced to endure attempts to make her 'pretty' for the visit, and terrified of her father's bad humor.

Anatole's Visit to Bald Hills

Deeply affected by Anatole's presence; struggles between hope for marriage and self-consciousness about her plainness; misinterprets his attention as genuine interest.

V

Torn between duty to her father and the prospect of marriage, she witnesses Anatole's infidelity and ultimately refuses the proposal, defining her vocation as one of love and self-sacrifice for others.

The Review at Olmütz

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

The Council of War Before Austerlitz

Not present in this chapter.

Chapter XV

Not present in this chapter's provided excerpts.

The Standard and the Sky

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Chapter XIX

Present through the icon she gave Andrei, which is returned to him by French soldiers; her faith contrasts with Andrei's spiritual crisis.

Part I: 1806

Present at Bald Hills during Andrei's return and the tragic death of Lise, sharing in the family's grief.

XIX

Present through the icon she gave Andrei, which is returned to him by French soldiers; her faith contrasts with his spiritual crisis.

The Banquet for Prince Bagratión at the English Club

Not present at this event.

The Duel

Not present in the provided excerpts.

VII

Receives the news of her brother's fate from her father. She experiences profound grief but also a strange, transcendent joy in her faith. She resolves to hide the truth from Liza until after the birth.

The Arrival

Sits in anxious vigil, praying and listening for news of her sister-in-law's labor. She is the emotional center of the household's waiting.

The Death of the Little Princess

Present during the ordeal, supporting her brother Andrei and later serving as godmother at the baptism.

VII

Receives the news of Andrei's uncertain fate with profound grief, yet experiences a moment of transcendent spiritual joy. She actively manages the family's pain, hiding the truth from Liza and maintaining hope through prayer.

The Arrival

Anxiously oversees the household, comforts Liza, and is the first to greet Andrei upon his return.

The Death of the Little Princess

Supports Andrei during the ordeal and later serves as godmother at the baby's baptism.

II

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter VIII

Acts as a surrogate mother to her nephew Nikolushka. She is gentle, submissive, and intimidated by her brother's exasperation during the child's illness, showing her caring but timid nature.

Chapter IX

Shares a quiet, joyful moment with Andrei by their nephew's bedside, united in familial love and relief.

Chapter XI

Mentioned by Andrei as someone Pierre will get along with, linking her to the concept of 'love of one's neighbor' that Pierre champions.

Chapter VIII

Acting as a mother to her nephew; gentle and submissive but firm in her care; shares the vigil with Andrei, their stress leading to brief conflict.

Chapter IX

Present in the nursery, sharing in the vigil over Andrei's son. She and Andrei share a silent, joyful moment of connection after the child's crisis passes.

Chapter XIII

Found hosting 'God's folk.' Embarrassed by her brother's mockery but protective of her pilgrims. Her deep, simple faith contrasts with the men's skepticism.

XIV

Confides in Pierre, expressing deep anxiety for Andrei's spiritual and physical well-being. She feels a sisterly fondness for Pierre and is won over by his kindness.

Chapter XI

Mentioned by Andrei as someone Pierre will get along with, linking her to the concept of 'love of one's neighbor' that Pierre champions.

Chapter XVI

Not present in this chapter.

Chapter XIII

Disconcerted by her brother's arrival while hosting pilgrims. Embodies devout faith and compassion, protectively trying to shield her 'God's folk' from mockery.

Chapter XIV

Confides in Pierre about her fears for Andrei's spiritual and physical well-being. She is deeply appreciative of Pierre's kindness towards the pilgrims and tells him she is as fond of him as a brother.

Chapter XVIII

Not present in the chapter.

Tilsit and the Meeting of Emperors

Not present in this chapter.

The Meeting of the Emperors

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Part III: 1808–10

Endures life under her father's tyrannical rule at Bald Hills, finding solace in religion and correspondence.

Chapter XIX

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

The Transfigured Oak

Briefly appears, noting her brother's cold, overly logical demeanor when he is internally wrestling with secret emotions.

Part III: 1808–10

Remains at Bald Hills under her father's stern control, finding solace in her religious faith and correspondence.

Prince Andrei in Petersburg: The Speranski Era and Arakcheev

Not present, but her brother Andrei is the focus of the chapter's events.

The Transfigured Oak

Appears briefly as the sister who receives Andrei's cold, overly logical rebuke about his son's clothing, highlighting his former state of mind.

Chapter XXV

Endures her father's cruel teasing about her religion and her care for Nikolushka. Finds solace in her faith, writing a long letter to Julie that explores grief, providence, and love.

Chapter XXVI

Receives Andrei's joyful news, bears her father's wrath, and experiences a profound spiritual crisis, contemplating renouncing the world to become a pilgrim.

Chapter XXV

Endures her father's cruel teasing about her religion and her nephew. Finds solace in her faith, writing a long, philosophical letter to Julie about divine will, love, and suffering. Expresses concern for Andrei's health and disbelief about his rumored engagement.

Chapter XXVI

Receives Andrei's joyful letter, bears her father's wrath after delivering it, and finds her primary consolation in religion. She is deeply drawn to the ascetic life of the pilgrims and seriously contemplates becoming one, feeling torn between divine calling and earthly love for her family.

Christmas Festivities and Philosophical Musings

Not present in the provided excerpts.

Chapter XI

Not present or mentioned in the provided excerpts.

Part V: 1811–12

Living in isolation with her father at Bald Hills, her life defined by duty and religious devotion.

Christmas Festivities and Philosophical Musings

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter XI

Not present in the provided excerpts.

II

Endures her father's cruel psychological torment, feels isolated in Moscow, and struggles with self-revulsion when her own irritability mirrors his during Nikolushka's lessons.

Chapter III

Endures her father's cruel anger and humiliation over admitting the doctor, sitting in tense anticipation of his rages.

Chapter IV

Deeply distressed by her father's hostility and the impending family rupture over Andrei's marriage. She feels trapped and momentarily confesses her despair to Pierre, asking for his candid assessment of Natasha.

The Rostovs Arrive in Moscow

Plans are made for Natasha to meet her; Marya Dmitrievna describes her as gentle and wants to bring the future sisters-in-law together.

The Bolkonsky Household in Moscow

Endures her father's psychological cruelty and public humiliation; feels isolated in Moscow, grieves the loss of her correspondence with Julie, and struggles with her own temper while tutoring Nikolushka.

A Visit to the Bolkonskys

Prejudiced against Natasha due to envy of her youth and beauty. Nervous and constrained during the visit, caught between her duty to receive guests and her father's forbidding temper.

Chapter III

Endures her father's wrath after the Métivier incident, described as moving through the morning 'as though facing a cocked and loaded gun.' She is publicly humiliated at dinner when the prince offers her only a cold cheek to kiss, a silent reminder of his threat to make her leave.

Princess Marya's Confession

Distressed by her father's hostility and the family conflict over Andrei's engagement. Confesses her despair and loneliness to Pierre, and seeks his honest opinion about Natasha.

The Rostovs Arrive in Moscow

Plans are made for Natasha to meet her; Marya Dmitrievna describes her as harmless and wants to bring the future sisters-in-law together.

Chapter XI

Indicated by Anatole's father as a potential match for him in Moscow.

The Visit to the Bolkonskys

Agitated and prejudiced against Natasha from the start, she is constrained by her father's orders and Mademoiselle Bourienne's presence. She fails in her attempt to warmly acknowledge her brother's engagement.

Chapter XII

Recalled unpleasantly by Natasha as part of her anxiety and guilt regarding the Bolkonsky family.

Chapter XIV

Her letter to Natasha expresses despair over their misunderstanding, affirms her love for her brother's chosen one, and attempts to explain her father's difficult behavior, pleading for reconciliation.

Chapter XII

Recalled unpleasantly by Natasha as part of her anxiety and guilt regarding the Bolkonsky family.

The Aftermath of the Abduction Attempt

Not present in this chapter. The character interacting with Natasha is Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, who is not in the canonical list.

Chapter XIV

Writes a desperate, kind letter to Natasha, attempting to mend the misunderstanding and assure her of her own goodwill, despite their father's difficult behavior.

Chapter XV

Natasha writes to her, using Prince Andrei's granted freedom to formally end the engagement and ask for forgiveness.

The Aftermath of Betrayal

Secretly glad the engagement is broken. She meets Pierre and notes her brother's pride prevented him from showing deeper feeling.

XXII

Not present in the chapter. (Note: Márya Dmítrievna is a different character, not in the canonical list.)

The Aftermath of the Abduction Attempt

Not present in this chapter. The character 'Marya Dmitrievna' is a different person.

The Aftermath of Betrayal

Secretly glad Andrei's engagement is broken. Sighs in apparent sympathy but her true feelings of relief are visible to Pierre.

XXII

Not present in this chapter.

Chapter VIII

Described as a timid, plain maiden living in fear and suffering, unjustly blamed by her father. Andrei sees her as an innocent victim.

Chapter XI

Not present in this chapter.

Chapter VIII

Portrayed as a timid, suffering figure, trapped in the stagnant life at Bald Hills and victimized by her father's irritability.

Chapter XIII

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter XI

Not present in this chapter.

Chapter XIII

Not present in the provided excerpts.

II

Blamed for the quarrel between father and brother; lives in fear and obedience; tries to understand the war from a domestic, feminine perspective; observes her father's disturbing behavior.

The Old Prince's Night

Mentioned as having read Prince Andrei's letter earlier and talked 'some nonsense' at dinner, highlighting the prince's irritable relationship with his daughter.

IV

At Bald Hills, she is advised to write to the Governor for information, showing her dependent position and the looming threat to her home.

V

Mentioned as having left Bald Hills for safety. Her absence is felt in the deserted home.

II

Bears the brunt of her father's anger, is excluded from his life, and lives in a state of quiet anxiety. She tries to understand the war through limited perspectives but is largely shielded by her father's denial.

The Old Prince's Night

Mentioned as having read Prince Andrei's letter earlier, prompting the old prince's memory.

VIII

Disobeys her father to stay and nurse him; grapples with guilt over her secret wish for his death and her own awakened longing for freedom and love.

Boguchárovo: The Peasants' Unrest

Is the owner of Boguchárovo and must be evacuated. Her departure is urgently ordered by the Marshal due to the French advance.

IV

At Bald Hills, she is advised by Dessalles to send Alpatych to Smolensk for news, showing her concern and dependence on others in the crisis.

Princess Márya's Dilemma at Boguchárovo

Emerges from grief-stricken isolation to confront the crisis. Horrified at the idea of accepting French protection, she feels bound to act as the representative of her dead father and absent brother. Takes charge, ordering grain to be distributed to the starving peasants.

V

Mentioned as having left Bald Hills with her father for Bogucharovo, fleeing the advancing French.

Princess Marya and the Peasants of Boguchárovo

Confronts her rebellious peasants, feeling the weight of her family's legacy and her responsibility to them. Her offer of aid is met with suspicion and refusal, highlighting her isolation and the gulf between noble intention and peasant perception.

Chapter XII

Tormented by grief and regret over her father's death, she relives his final days in vivid, painful detail, culminating in a terrified flight from the silent house.

Rostov's Ride to Bogucharovo

Helpless and bewildered after her father's death; held captive by her own peasants; grateful for Rostov's intervention, showing emotional vulnerability and noble bearing.

VIII

Disobeys her father to stay and care for him after his stroke. She is tormented by guilt over wishing for his death and by visions of a liberated future, struggling to reconcile her faith with these worldly temptations.

Rostov Quells the Boguchárovo Mutiny

Is rescued by Rostov, feels profound gratitude, and begins to question if she is falling in love with him.

Boguchárovo: The Peasants' Unrest

Is at Boguchárovo following her father's death; Alpátych is trying to organize her evacuation as danger approaches.

Princess Márya at Boguchárovo

Emerges from grief-stricken isolation to confront the crisis of the French advance and the peasants' suffering. She feels the weight of her family's legacy and acts decisively to distribute grain.

Princess Marya and the Peasants of Boguchárovo

Attempts to fulfill her duty as mistress by offering grain and safe passage to the peasants, but is met with unified, distrustful resistance, highlighting her isolation and the burden of her family legacy.

Chapter XII

Consumed by grief and regret over her father's death, she revisits painful memories of his final days and is haunted by the horror of his corpse.

Chapter XVII

Has arrived in Moscow after her father's death; saved by Nikolai Rostov; plans to depart for the Bolkonsky estate.

Rostov's Ride to Boguchárovo

Helpless and bewildered after her father's funeral, held captive by her own peasants. Deeply grateful for Rostov's timely and respectful intervention.

Chapter XVIII

Mentioned as having left Moscow.

Chapter XIV

Is rescued by Rostov from the rebellious peasants. On the journey to Moscow, she reflects on his kindness and bravery, questioning if she has fallen in love with him, seeing his arrival as an act of Providence.

Chapter XVII

Reported to have arrived in Moscow after her father's death, saved by Nikolai Rostov. She is described as well but sad, planning to depart for the country.

Chapter XVIII

Mentioned as having left Moscow, part of the general departure.

XXIV

Mentioned in Andrei's thoughts as having called their father's death a 'trial sent from above,' a notion he rejects.

XXIV

Mentioned in Andrei's thoughts regarding their father's death, which she called 'a trial sent from above.'

The Field Hospital

Mentioned in Andrei's thoughts as the one who taught him about the Christian love he now feels he finally understands.

The Field Hospital

Andrei recalls her teachings about Christian love and compassion, which he now feels he finally understands.

Chapter VII

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Chapter XII

Mentioned indirectly. The Countess sees Nikoláy's meeting with her as providential and expresses a wish for them to marry, a prospect that pains Sónya.

Moscow's Last Day

Not present in this chapter's provided excerpts.

Chapter XII

Mentioned in Nikolai's letter; the Countess sees her as a providential and wealthy match for Nikolai, sparking Sonya's grief.

Chapter XIII

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

The Empty Hive

Implied to have left her estate, contributing to the general evacuation.

XXVIII

Not present in this chapter's provided excerpts.

The Fire and the Vigil

Not present in this chapter.

The Journey from Moscow

Not present in this chapter.

V

Not present, but is the subject of discussion. Her aunt, Malvíntseva, is in Vorónezh with her. Nikolai blushes at the mention of her name and feels shy.

Princess Marya in Voronezh

Struggles with renewed desires and self-reproach after Rostov's visit; her inner spiritual beauty becomes visibly radiant in his presence.

Chapter VII

Appears in church, her face marked by sorrow, prayer, and hope for her wounded brother, Andrei. Her spiritual depth and grace powerfully attract Nikolai. She is preparing to travel to find Andrei after learning of his wound from the Gazette.

Chapter VIII

Mentioned as the heiress the Countess wants Nikoláy to marry; Sónya sees her as an obstacle now potentially removed.

V

Mentioned as being in Vorónezh with her aunt Malvíntseva; she is the subject of the governor's wife's matchmaking proposal to Nikolai.

Pierre Before Davout

Not present in the excerpts.

Princess Marya and Nikolai Rostov in Voronezh

Struggles with renewed desires and self-reproach after the arranged meeting with Rostov. Experiences a profound inner transformation in his presence, her spiritual beauty becoming outwardly visible.

Chapter VII

Appears in church, her face lit with sorrow, prayer, and hope upon hearing of her brother's wound. Her refined, spiritual demeanor powerfully attracts Nikolai. She is preparing to travel to find Prince Andrei.

Chapter VIII

Mentioned as the heiress the Countess wishes Nikolai to marry; Sonya believes Natasha's reunion with Andrei makes this marriage impossible.

Chapter XIV

Undertakes a perilous journey to reach her dying brother, Andrei. Her inner strength is fueled by duty and love. She finds an immediate, profound connection with Natasha based on shared grief.

XV

Arrives to see her dying brother, expecting a tender farewell but is met with his cold estrangement. She feels guilty for being alive and eventually understands the finality of his condition, turning to prayer.

The Death of Prince Andrei

Arrives to be with her brother in his final days, sharing in the solemn vigil with Natasha.

Chapter XII

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter XIV

Arrives in Yaroslavl after a difficult journey, driven by duty and love for her brother. Her inner happiness from her love for Nikolai contrasts with her overwhelming grief and fear for Andrei. She finds a true comrade in Natasha.

The Flank Movement and the Shift in Momentum

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

XV

Arrives to see her dying brother, prepared to weep but is stunned into dry-eyed guilt by his cold, estranged look. She understands his condition signifies approaching death and shifts from grief to continual prayer.

Chapter IV

Not present in this chapter.

The Death of Prince Andrei

Arrives to be with her brother at the end, sharing in the solemn vigil with Natasha.

The Battle of Tarútino

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

The Courier at Night

Not present in this chapter.

The Retreat to Smolensk

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Chapter XIII

Not present in the provided excerpts.

IX

Not present in this chapter.

XIV

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Chapter XIII

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

XIV

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Part IV: 1812–13

Evacuates from Bald Hills after her father's death. She travels to Yaroslavl to care for her wounded brother, Andrei, and forms a close bond with Natasha during this period of grief and nursing.

I

Shares Natasha's deep sorrow but is the first to be called back to practical life by duty as guardian of Nikolushka and manager of estate affairs, preparing for a return to Moscow.

The News of Petya's Death

Briefly appears, pale and trembling, to guide Natasha to her mother, but Natasha does not register her.

The Healing of Wounds

Postpones her departure to care for Natasha 'as if she had been a sick child.' Her friendship with Natasha reveals to her 'belief in life and its enjoyment,' a previously uncomprehended side of life.

Part IV: 1812–13

Evacuates from Bald Hills, faces the death of her father, and is reunited with her brother Andrei. She and Natasha find a deep bond in their shared vigil over Andrei's final days.

I

Shares Natasha's deep mourning but is the first to be called back to practical life by duties as guardian of Nikolushka and manager of estate affairs, preparing to return to Moscow.

III

Postpones her departure to care for Natasha 'as if she had been a sick child.' Her friendship with Natasha opens her to a new 'belief in life and its enjoyment,' sharing stories of her past.

The Retreat and the Fall of Kutúzov

Not present in this chapter's excerpts.

Chapter XIII

Not present in the chapter excerpts.

Chapter XV

Receives Pierre in her Moscow home. She is with Natasha and is visibly uneasy when Pierre mentions the Rostovs, acting as the bridge for the emotional reunion.

Chapter XVI

Hosts Pierre and listens, also for the first time, to Natasha's full account of her brother's final period. She is moved but tries to control her tears.

Chapter XVII

Hosts the conversation, gently prompting Pierre. She observes the potential for love between Pierre and Natasha, which brings her gladness, and later discusses Pierre's improvement with Natasha.

Chapter XIII

Not present, but Pierre's gentle method of drawing out the 'hidden, kindly sides' of the embittered princess mirrors the kind of spiritual empathy Princess Marya possesses.

Chapter XVIII

Acts as a confidante and mediator. After observing Natasha, she believes Natasha will come to love Pierre and offers to facilitate the match, advising Pierre to write to her parents.

Chapter XIX

Mentioned as the intermediary whose potential mistake is Pierre's sole fear, linking him to Natasha.

Chapter XV

Receives Pierre in her Moscow home. She is with Natasha and gently reveals her companion's identity, observing Pierre's reaction with understanding.

XX

Observes Natasha's transformation with initial grief over her brother Andrei's memory, but ultimately forgives Natasha's joy and offers counsel.

Chapter XVI

Hosts Pierre and Natasha; hears her brother's final story from Natasha for the first time, struggling to hold back her own tears.

Epilogue

Married to Nikolai, a loving mother who also acts as a softening, spiritual influence on her husband's harsher tendencies.

Chapter XVII

Hosts the conversation, gently prompting Pierre's story. She observes the potential for love between Pierre and Natasha, which brings her gladness.

Pierre's Resolution

Acts as a confidante and mediator. She observes Natasha's change of heart, encourages Pierre's hopes, and offers to speak to Natasha on his behalf.

XX

Initially grieved by Natasha's rapid emotional change, interpreting it as forgetting Andrei. She ultimately accepts and forgives Natasha's joy, offering counsel.

Epilogue

Married to Nikolai, she is a loving mother and wife, finding happiness in family and her religious faith.

V

Not directly present, but mentioned as one of the 'female relations' who suggests Nikoláy marry a rich woman—an idea he finds repugnant.

Chapter VI

Visits the Rostovs, feels hurt by Nikolai's coldness, and during his return visit, confronts him, realizing his distance stems from his poverty and her wealth.

VII

Now Countess Rostova, she is a devoted wife but feels jealous and unable to fully understand Nikolai's passionate connection to farming and the peasant world.

Chapter VIII

Now Countess Rostova, she is a gentle but morally firm influence on Nikolai. Her silent sorrow over his violence leads to his repentance. She feels a persistent, unresolved guilt towards Sonya for her own advantageous marriage.

St. Nikoláy's Eve at Bald Hills

Feeling insecure and repulsive in her pregnancy, misinterprets Nikolai's mood. After a reconciliation, she reflects on her profound happiness, tinged with a sense of another, unattainable happiness.

Chapter VI

Visits the Rostovs, feels hurt by Nikolai's coldness, and during his return visit, has an emotional breakthrough where she intuits and confronts the reason for his distance.

Natasha's Family Life

Mentioned as one of the few relatives whose company Natasha values. She is a confidante with whom Natasha can speak of Prince Andrei.

VII

As Nikolai's wife, she is jealous of his passion for farming and feels alienated from the world of the estate and peasants, which she cannot fully comprehend despite her good intentions.

Chapter VIII

Now Countess Rostova; her gentle, moral influence transforms Nikolai, as seen when her sorrow over his violence leads to his repentance; feels guilt over Sonya's situation.

Chapter XI

Visits with Nikolai, defends his delayed paternal affection, and admires the baby and Pierre's handling of him.

St. Nikoláy's Eve at Bald Hills

Feels insecure and repulsive in her pregnancy, misreads Nikolai's mood, but finds deep happiness after their reconciliation.

Chapter XII

Part of the family's silent, understanding circle regarding the old countess. She is also used by the countess as a pretext for spiteful speech.

Natasha's Family Life

Mentioned as one of the few relatives Natasha values. She is a confidante with whom Natasha can speak of Prince Andrei.

Chapter XIII

Present at the gathering, exchanges understanding glances with Pierre about the children's joyful noise.

Chapter XI

Visits with Nikolai, finds charm in the baby, and defends Nikolai's later affection as a father.

Chapter XIV

Observes the scene quietly, notes Nikólenka's attachment to Pierre, and follows Natásha out. Her presence connects the family gathering to Andrei's legacy through his son.

Chapter XII

Part of the family circle that understands the old countess's condition. She is mentioned as a pretext for the countess's spiteful talk.

Chapter XV

Deeply reflective, keeping a diary on child-rearing. She feels a spiritual struggle to love perfectly and is particularly concerned about the well-being of her nephew, Nikolenka. She mediates between Nikolai's pragmatism and Pierre's idealism.

Chapter XVI

Praised by Natasha for understanding children and being superior; Natasha uses this to prompt Pierre to reaffirm his preference for her.

Chapter XIV

Observes the scene, notes Nikólenka's attachment to Pierre, and follows Natasha to the nursery.

Chapter XV

Keeps a thoughtful diary on child-rearing. Struggles with her spiritual striving versus earthly duties, and feels a special, anxious love for her nephew Nikolenka.

Chapter XVI

Praised by Natasha for her understanding of children and her general superiority, though Natasha uses this to implicitly ask Pierre to prefer her.