Prince Nikolay Andrei[vi]tch Bolkonsky Scion of an ancient and honorable family, now an old man, who clings more and more to the values of an outdated feudal society.
Prince Andrey Bolkonsky His son and heir, who is an intensely intellectual, basically egotistical young man who seeks to exchange his sense of alienation for a sense of being at one with the world. His quest affirms his nihilism.
Princess Marya Bolkonsky A plain, graceless young woman who sustains her lonely life by a strong Christian piety.
Mademoiselle Bourienne Marya's companion, an orphaned Frenchwoman of a frivolous and opportunistic nature.
Nikolushka, later Nikolinka Prince Andrey's son, who attains adolescence by the end of the novel.
Princess Liza Bolkonsky Andrey's wife, a silly, chattering society girl who never grows up and who dies in childbirth.
