Nikolai Rostov

literary character

Nikolai Rostov is a fictional character from Leo Tolstoy's epic novel 'War and Peace.' A young and patriotic Russian aristocrat serving as a hussar during the Napoleonic Wars, Rostov grapples with the moral complexities of warfare. His internal conflict is poignantly illustrated in a key moment when he chooses not to kill a fallen French officer, leading him to confront the humanity of his enemy and the shame of violence. Through Rostov, Tolstoy explores themes of honor, morality, and the psychological burdens of battle, making him a representation of the human experience in times of war.