Vasily "Vas'ka" Denisov

A captain in the Pavlograd hussars

BOOK ONE

Book 1, Part 2

Chapter 4

A small man with a red-face, sparkling black eyes, and black tousled moustache and hair. He’s got a lisp, which is unfortunate because he’s just lost money on cards with an officer nicknamed “the rat”. His purse disappears, and he flies into a rage. Rostov blames Lieutenant Telyanin, taking matters into his own hands.

Chapter 5

Denisov isn’t happy about the situation at all and sits gloomily, biting his moustache. But he lets the staff-captain school cadet Nikolai on diplomacy. Still, the mere mention of Lieutenant Telyanin makes him see red and threaten to kill him. News of imminent action against the French couldn’t come sooner for grumpy Denisov.

Chapter 7

“I am going into action! I’ve shaved, bwushed my teeth, and scented myself.” He’s got a new cloak and saddle cloth as well. He’s happy about fighting but furious about waiting, and once again, he shows a bloodthirsty temper with anyone in his way.

Chapter 8

At the start of the chapter, Denisov wants to lead a charge to clear the French off. But instead, he is sent to burn the bridge. “The very devil”, he complains, being shot at “like a target”.