# Pan Kisel — With Fire and Sword character guide

> Pan Kisel in With Fire and Sword by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Kisel, the voevoda Kisel

**First appearance:** 0012-xiii

## Snapshot

A Polish voevoda who believes negotiation can still stop the flood, he argues for restraint against men who want only blood.

## Who they are

Kisel is the voice of conscience and caution in the prince's war council, insisting that the blood of brothers should not be spent stubbornly. He honors Yeremi's military genius but refuses to expose his own men to what he sees as certain destruction. His plea for negotiation against Yeremi's cry for fire and sword frames the novel's central political argument.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xxvi)

Writes the letter urging peace and loyalty to the Commonwealth, read aloud in the council.

### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xxvii)

Voevoda of Bratslav, accused of being a traitor, advocates for negotiations, clashes with the prince over pursuit.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xxix)

The voevoda of Kiev initially argues for negotiations but after hearing of Krívonos's atrocities, agrees to join the prince.

### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xlii)

The voevoda of Kiev; speaks at the council, imploring Prince Yeremi to take command.

### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/xlix)

The voevoda Kisel, leader of the commission, is plunged into despair as the mob howls for his head, doubting his own policy of negotiation.

### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/l)

As a senator, he represents the king and insists on protocol, but is humiliated by Hmelnitski's arrogance.

### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/li)

The voevoda, ill and exhausted, leads the commission and endures Hmelnitski's insults with resignation.

### [The King's Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/chapters/lxii)

Referred to as the chancellor, whose policy of negotiation is blamed for the disasters and who is now under universal hatred.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/characters/pan_kisel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/with_fire_and_sword_se/characters