<Li> Count Pyotr Kirillovich (Pierre) Bezukhov: The central character and often a voice for Tolstoy's own beliefs or struggles . Pierre is the socially awkward illegitimate son of Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov, who has fathered dozens of illegitimate sons . Educated abroad, Pierre returns to Russia as a misfit . His unexpected inheritance of a large fortune makes him socially desirable . </Li> <Li> The Bolkonskys <Ul> <Li> Prince Nikolai Andreich Bolkonsky: The father of Andrei and Maria, the eccentric prince possesses a gruff exterior and displays great insensitivity to the emotional needs of his children . Nevertheless, his harshness often belies hidden depth of feeling . </Li> <Li> Prince Andrei Nikolayevich Bolkonsky: A strong but skeptical, thoughtful and philosophical aide - de-camp in the Napoleonic Wars . </Li> <Li> Princess Maria Nikolayevna Bolkonskaya: Sister of Prince Andrei, Princess Maria is a pious woman whose father attempted to give her a good education . The caring, nurturing nature of her large eyes in her otherwise plain face are frequently mentioned . </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Ul> <Li> Prince Nikolai Andreich Bolkonsky: The father of Andrei and Maria, the eccentric prince possesses a gruff exterior and displays great insensitivity to the emotional needs of his children . Nevertheless, his harshness often belies hidden depth of feeling . </Li> <Li> Prince Andrei Nikolayevich Bolkonsky: A strong but skeptical, thoughtful and philosophical aide - de-camp in the Napoleonic Wars . </Li> <Li> Princess Maria Nikolayevna Bolkonskaya: Sister of Prince Andrei, Princess Maria is a pious woman whose father attempted to give her a good education . The caring, nurturing nature of her large eyes in her otherwise plain face are frequently mentioned . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Prince Nikolai Andreich Bolkonsky: The father of Andrei and Maria, the eccentric prince possesses a gruff exterior and displays great insensitivity to the emotional needs of his children . Nevertheless, his harshness often belies hidden depth of feeling . </Li>

Book review of the book war and peace by leo tolstoy