With Fire and Sword · Character

Krivonos

A Cossack commander whose name means 'Crooked-Nose' and whose reputation for butchery precedes him across the ruined countryside.

supporting

Also known as Krívonos, Maksim Krívonos, old Krívonos

First appearance: x

As a supporting figure in With Fire and Sword, Krivonos is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Sent ahead with Tartars to attack the Polish hetmans at Korsún.

In the storyChapter XVOpen this moment free

See Krivonos in Chapter XV Book page

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Krivonos is Hmelnitski's most feared subordinate, the man whose hand leaves villages burned and populations slaughtered in his wake. The prince's troops march past his work — hanged nobles, rows of 'Cossack candles'…

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Character Web

32 connections

A slice of how Krivonos sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main protagonists and antagonists
Minor Polish commanders and Cossacks
Extended supporting cast
Minor Cossack and Polish officers
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the duel, where Bogun’…

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In the story

Krivonos appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XV
Sent ahead with Tartars to attack the Polish hetmans at Korsún.
Chapter XXVI
Volunteers to lead an attack against Prince Yeremi, demanding good warriors; marches out of camp with sixty thousand men.
Chapter XXVII
Young Krívonos leads the Cossacks in battle, is wounded by Pan Kushel, and flees to the town.
Chapter XXVIII
Mentioned as the enemy commander with sixty thousand troops, whose scouts pose a threat.
The Night March to Konstantinoff
The rebel leader with sixty thousand men, whose forces are sighted approaching Konstantinoff.
XXXI
Leads the Cossack forces; orders attacks despite heavy losses; vows revenge.
XXXII
Suffers a major defeat at the hands of Prince Yeremi; later chained to a cannon by Hmelnitski but restored to command.
Chapter XXXVI
Mentioned as having ordered Bogun to return for the war.
XXXVIII
Believes the false reports of Prince Yeremi's advance, becomes fearful, and sends Bogun on a scouting mission to verify the news.
XXXIX
Mentioned by Zagloba as a threat; the peasants deny any connection to him.
XLI
Receives Bogun after his defeat; comforts and cares for him despite his failure.

Chapter companion notes

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See Krivonos in Chapter XV