# Prince Vasíli Kurágin — War and Peace character guide

> Prince Vasíli Kurágin in War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Prince Vasíli, Prince Vasíli Sergéevich

**First appearance:** 0005-ii

## Snapshot

A polished courtier who treats his children as investments and his friendships as leverage, always calculating who might be useful next.

## Who they are

Prince Vasíli moves through Petersburg society with the ease of a man who has spent decades learning exactly which doors open for charm and which for persistence. His chief project is securing advantageous marriages for his children — particularly the beautiful Hélène and the feckless Anatole — and he pursues these aims with a courtier's patience and a courtier's indifference to the damage done along the way. He is the novel's clearest portrait of aristocratic self-interest dressed as paternal concern, and his schemes set in motion some of the book's most consequential entanglements.

## In the story

### [Anna Pavlovna's Soirée](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace/chapters/i)

A high-ranking, calculating courtier. He appears indifferent but is deeply concerned with securing a position for his son and arranging a profitable marriage for Anatole. He confesses his children are the 'bane' of his life.

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

Moves between the two opposing salon circles, often confusing his messages. He first condemns Kutuzov, then enthusiastically praises his appointment, showcasing his opportunism.

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

Acts as a link between the two salon circles, often confusing their opposing views. He flip-flops completely on Kutuzov, from severe critic to triumphant supporter, showcasing his opportunism.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace/chapters/ii)

His opinion of Kutuzov shifts dramatically with public sentiment, from boasting of him as a prophet to condemning him as a traitor after Moscow's fall, all while receiving condolences for his daughter's death.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace/chapters/ii)

Initially boasts of his support for Kutúzov after the victory report, but later condemns him as a 'blind and depraved old man' after news of Moscow's surrender, following his daughter's death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace/characters/vasily_kuragin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/war_and_peace/characters