War and Peace · primary

Váska Denísov

fictional · male

The squadron commander of the Pávlograd Hussars, known for his gambling and strong personality.

Aliases

cavalry-captain Denísov · Denísov · Vasíli Denísov · Monsieur Denísov · Vasíli Dmítrich · Major Denísov · Lieutenant Colonel Denísov · Váska

Titles

cavalry-captain · squadron commander · Captain · Major · Lieutenant Colonel · General

Appearances

  • First: Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 1
  • Latest: Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XV · ¶ 20

Relationships

  • Friendship · Nicholas Rostov

    Ah, Bondarénko, dear friend!
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 3
    “Vasíli Denísov, your son’s friend,” he said, introducing himself to the count, who was looking inquiringly at him.
    Book FOUR · Chapter I · ¶ 30
  • Friendship · Prince Nesvítski

    Ah, Váska! joyfully replied Nesvítski.
    Book TWO · Chapter VII · ¶ 34
  • Friendship · Nicholas Rostov

    “Well, fwiend? So you’ve smelt powdah!” shouted Váska Denísov just above his ear.
    Book TWO · Chapter VIII · ¶ 61
    Rostóv was on orderly duty... and was awaiting Denísov, who had gone out somewhere and with whom he wanted a talk.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 3
  • Conflict · Nicholas Rostov

    What for? If I were a wobber I would ask mercy, but I’m being court-martialed for bwinging wobbers to book.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVIII · ¶ 9
  • Social acquaintance · Prince Andrew Bolkónski

    Ah? You’re Pwince Bolkónski? Vewy glad to make your acquaintance!
    Book TEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 8
  • Friendship · Pétya Rostóv

    Denísov, having run through the dispatch. 'Why didn’t you say who you were?' and turning with a smile he held out his hand to the lad.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 22
  • Friendship · Pétya Rostóv

    But as soon as Denísov smiled at him Pétya brightened up, blushed with pleasure, forgot the official manner he had been rehearsing, and began telling him how he had already been in a battle near Vyázma...
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 24
  • Rival · Private Dólokhov

    Denísov was out of sorts both because of the rain and also from hunger (none of them had eaten anything since morning), and yet more because he still had no news from Dólokhov...
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 12
  • Friendship · Tíkhon Shcherbáty

    the subject of the liveliest jokes by the whole detachment—jokes in which Tíkhon readily joined.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 28
  • Conflict · Tíkhon Shcherbáty

    I’ll give you a hundwed sharp lashes—that’ll teach you to play the fool!
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 21
  • Friendship · Pierre Bezukhov

    Let me kiss you, dear old fellow! Oh, how fine, how splendid!
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VII · ¶ 21
    He was awaiting Pétya’s return in a state of agitation, anxiety, and self-reproach for having let him go.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter X · ¶ 1
  • Friendship · Pierre Bezukhov

    Yes, he’s a poor little fellow,” said Denísov, who evidently saw nothing shameful in this reminder.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VII · ¶ 17
  • Conflict · Private Dólokhov

    “There’s no need for you to go at all,” said Denísov, addressing Dólokhov, “and as for him, I won’t let him go on any account.”
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VIII · ¶ 6
  • Friendship · Natásha Rostóva

    Denísov... now for the first time recognized the old Natásha. A flood of brilliant, joyful light poured from her transfigured face.
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XI · ¶ 16
  • Romantic attraction · Natásha Rostóva

    Oh, the faiwy! She can do anything with me!
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 26
    Countess, I have done w’ong,” Denísov went on in an unsteady voice, “but believe me, I so adore your daughter and all your family that I would give my life twice over...
    Book FOUR · Chapter XVI · ¶ 45
  • Mentor · Nicholas Rostov

    Denísov evidently tried to expose Rostóv to danger as seldom as possible, and after an action greeted his safe return with evident joy.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XV · ¶ 15
  • Military command · Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov

    All right, all right, friend, stay here at the staff and tomorrow we’ll have a talk.
    Book TEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 36
  • Military command · Private Dólokhov

    Denísov and Dólokhov intended, without reporting matters to the higher command, to attack and seize that convoy with their own small forces.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter III · ¶ 8
  • Mentor (military mentor) · Tíkhon Shcherbáty

    Denísov had Tíkhon called and, having praised him for his activity, said a few words in the elder’s presence about loyalty to the Tsar and the country and the hatred of the French that all sons of the fatherland should cherish.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 22
  • Military command · Tíkhon Shcherbáty

    When he espied Denísov he hastily threw something into the bushes, removed his sodden hat by its floppy brim, and approached his commander.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 3
  • Mentor · Pierre Bezukhov

    Now lie down. We can still get a nap before morning.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter X · ¶ 2
  • Mentor · Pétya Rostóv

    I ask one thing of you,” he said sternly, “to obey me and not shove yourself forward anywhere.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 6
  • Parent · Pétya Rostóv

    Denísov did not reply; he rode up to Pétya, dismounted, and with trembling hands turned toward himself the bloodstained, mud-bespattered face which had already gone white.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 20
  • Student · Tíkhon Shcherbáty

    Denísov had Tíkhon called and, having praised him for his activity, said a few words in the elder’s presence about loyalty to the Tsar and the country and the hatred of the French that all sons of the fatherland should cherish.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 22
  • Student · Pierre Bezukhov

    Now lie down. We can still get a nap before morning.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter X · ¶ 2
  • Student · Pétya Rostóv

    I ask one thing of you,” he said sternly, “to obey me and not shove yourself forward anywhere.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 6

Quotations

  • cavalry-captain Denísov, the squadron commander
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 1
  • Denísov was a small man with a red face, sparkling black eyes
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 19
  • 'I lost yesterday like a damned fool!' cried Denísov
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 24
  • Denísov, with a pipe, was squatting on the threshold
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 46
  • 'How much is left in the puhse?' he asked, turning to Rostóv.
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 62
  • 'You are mad, I tell you. I won’t allow it. The purse is here!'
    Book TWO · Chapter IV · ¶ 90
  • Denísov’s quarters.
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 1
  • Denísov sat gloomily biting his mustache and listening to the conversation
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 8
  • Am I not right, Denísov?
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 13
  • Denísov remained silent and did not move
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 14
  • Now then, Wostóv, now then!
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 17
  • I’d kill him!” shouted Denísov in a bloodthirsty tone.
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 25
  • he’s to be stwuck off the list tomowwow,” muttered Denísov.
    Book TWO · Chapter V · ¶ 28
  • Váska Denísov, red and shaggy, with his cap on the back of his black head
    Book TWO · Chapter VII · ¶ 32
  • Denísov joined Nesvítski.
    Book TWO · Chapter VII · ¶ 35
  • They keep dwagging the wegiment to and fwo all day.
    Book TWO · Chapter VII · ¶ 38
  • Denísov smiled, took out of his sabretache a handkerchief
    Book TWO · Chapter VII · ¶ 40
  • The black, hairy, snub-nosed face of Váska Denísov
    Book TWO · Chapter VIII · ¶ 5
  • Well, fwiend? So you’ve smelt powdah!
    Book TWO · Chapter VIII · ¶ 61
  • Yes and no mistake! cried Denísov.
    Book TWO · Chapter VIII · ¶ 64
  • “Fo’ward, with God, lads!” rang out Denísov’s voice.
    Book TWO · Chapter XIX · ¶ 16
  • as Denísov expressed it
    Book THREE · Chapter VIII · ¶ 27
  • Come here, Wostóv. Let’s dwink to dwown our gwief!
    Book THREE · Chapter X · ¶ 2
  • As there’s no one to fall in love with on campaign, he’s fallen in love with the Tsar.
    Book THREE · Chapter X · ¶ 30
  • now Denísov, and now Moscow memories
    Book THREE · Chapter XIII · ¶ 1
  • Denísov was going home to Vorónezh
    Book FOUR · Chapter I · ¶ 1
  • Vasíli Denísov, your son’s friend,
    Book FOUR · Chapter I · ¶ 30
  • Denísov, to Rostóv’s surprise, appeared in the drawing room
    Book FOUR · Chapter I · ¶ 95
  • among whom were Denísov, Rostóv, and Dólokhov
    Book FOUR · Chapter III · ¶ 1
  • Despite Denísov’s request that he would take no part in the matter.
    Book FOUR · Chapter IV · ¶ 21
  • Denísov first went to the barrier and announced...
    Book FOUR · Chapter V · ¶ 3
  • “Cover yourself!” even Denísov cried to his adversary.
    Book FOUR · Chapter V · ¶ 13
  • Denísov also came back and stayed with them
    Book FOUR · Chapter X · ¶ 6
  • I like your Denísov though he is a rake
    Book FOUR · Chapter X · ¶ 9
  • as he and Denísov were leaving to join their regiment
    Book FOUR · Chapter XI · ¶ 1
  • Denísov, who at the Rostóvs’ had jocularly assumed the role of Natásha’s knight
    Book FOUR · Chapter XI · ¶ 6
  • Nicholas and Denísov were walking up and down, looking with kindly patronage at the dancers.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 5
  • How sweet she is—she will be a weal beauty!” said Denísov.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 6
  • Countess Natásha,” answered Denísov.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 8
  • Nicholas ran up to Natásha:
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 18
  • Oh no, let me off, Countess,” Denísov replied.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 22
  • Denísov, flushed after the mazurka and mopping himself with his handkerchief, sat down by Natásha and did not leave her for the rest of the evening.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XII · ¶ 28
  • supper with Denísov, Natásha, and Sónya
    Book FOUR · Chapter XIII · ¶ 28
  • Denísov, with sparkling eyes and ruffled hair, sat at the clavichord striking chords with his short fingers.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XV · ¶ 2
  • “All wight! All wight!” shouted Denísov.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XV · ¶ 13
  • Denísov had proposed.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XVI · ¶ 20
  • Denísov went on in an unsteady voice, “but believe me, I so adore your daughter and all your family...
    Book FOUR · Chapter XVI · ¶ 41
  • Next day Rostóv saw Denísov off.
    Book FOUR · Chapter XVI · ¶ 46
  • Denísov, who had been asleep on his bed, ran all disheveled out of the mud hut to embrace him.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XV · ¶ 2
  • Denísov never spoke of Rostóv’s family, but by the tender friendship his commander showed him, Rostóv felt that the elder hussar’s luckless love for Natásha played a part in strengthening their friendship.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XV · ¶ 15
  • Denísov and Rostóv were living in an earth hut
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 2
  • Denísov came into the hut
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 10
  • Denísov rode straight to the staff
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 30
  • Denísov began
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 34
  • Major Denísov from the regimental commander
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVI · ¶ 37
  • Rostóv explained that he wanted to see Major Denísov of the hussars, who was wounded.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVII · ¶ 11
  • Major Denísov,” Rostóv said again. “He was wounded at Molliten.
    Book FIVE · Chapter XVII · ¶ 14
  • the state of Denísov’s affairs
    Book FIVE · Chapter XIX · ¶ 1
  • I come from Major Denísov
    Book FIVE · Chapter XX · ¶ 21
  • Denísov’s servant who had remained with him
    Book SEVEN · Chapter I · ¶ 6
  • she thought of her brother and Denísov.
    Book NINE · Chapter XVIII · ¶ 14
  • I’m Lieutenant Colonel Denísov, better known as ‘Váska,’
    Book TEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 8
  • Denísov, no more intimidated by his superiors than by the enemy,
    Book TEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 28
  • I give my word of honor as a Wussian officer,” said Denísov,
    Book TEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 32
  • Denísov in a felt cloak and a sheepskin cap from which the rain ran down was riding a thin thoroughbred horse with sunken sides.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 2
  • Denísov was out of sorts both because of the rain and also from hunger (none of them had eaten anything since morning), and yet more because he still had no news from Dólokhov and the man sent to capture a “tongue” had not returned.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 12
  • Wostóv! Pétya!” exclaimed Denísov, having run through the dispatch.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IV · ¶ 22
  • Denísov, the esaul, and Pétya rode silently
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 1
  • Bwing the prisoner here,” said Denísov in a low voice
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 4
  • Whether Dólokhov comes or not, we must seize it, eh?” said Denísov
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 7
  • We’ll send the infantwy down by the swamps,” Denísov continued
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 9
  • What a beast!” said Denísov with his former look of vexation
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter V · ¶ 18
  • Denísov turned his horse and rode back.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 1
  • Well, where did you disappear to? inquired Denísov.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 4
  • What a wogue—it’s just as I thought,” said Denísov to the esaul.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 10
  • Don’t play the fool!” said Denísov, coughing angrily.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 16
  • I’ll give you a hundwed sharp lashes—that’ll teach you to play the fool!” said Denísov severely.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 21
  • Well, let’s go,” said Denísov, and rode all the way to the watchhouse in silence and frowning angrily.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 23
  • Denísov at once cheered up and, calling Pétya to him, said: “Well, tell me about yourself.”
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VI · ¶ 26
  • Denísov asked him whether he could stay
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VII · ¶ 2
  • So then what do you think, Vasíli Dmítrich?” said he to Denísov.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VII · ¶ 6
  • Yes, he’s a poor little fellow,” said Denísov
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VII · ¶ 17
  • Denísov wore a Cossack coat
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VIII · ¶ 3
  • I won’t let him go on any account
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VIII · ¶ 6
  • Denísov must not dare to imagine that I’ll obey him
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter VIII · ¶ 22
  • Tell Denísov, ‘at the first shot at daybreak,’
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter IX · ¶ 42
  • Denísov in the passage. He was awaiting Pétya’s return
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter X · ¶ 1
  • Denísov came out of the watchman’s hut
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter X · ¶ 46
  • Denísov stood by the watchman’s hut giving final orders.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 1
  • Well, is ev’wything weady?” asked Denísov.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 2
  • I ask one thing of you,” he said sternly, “to obey me and not shove yourself forward anywhere.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 6
  • “Killed?” cried Denísov, recognizing from a distance the unmistakably lifeless attitude—very familiar to him—in which Pétya’s body was lying.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 17
  • Denísov did not reply; he rode up to Pétya, dismounted, and with trembling hands turned toward himself the bloodstained, mud-bespattered face which had already gone white.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XI · ¶ 20
  • Denísov, bareheaded and with a gloomy face, walked behind some Cossacks who were carrying the body of Pétya Rostóv to a hole that had been dug in the garden.
    Book FOURTEEN · Chapter XV · ¶ 25
  • Denísov who told him this news
    Book FIFTEEN · Chapter XII · ¶ 2
  • two of his servants, Terénty and Váska, who had come from Moscow
    Book FIFTEEN · Chapter XII · ¶ 3
  • His servants too—Terénty and Váska—in their own way noticed the change that had taken place in Pierre.
    Book FIFTEEN · Chapter XIII · ¶ 6
  • Nicholas’ old friend the retired General Vasíli Dmítrich Denísov was staying with the Rostóvs this fifth of December.
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter IX · ¶ 2
  • Thanks to Denísov the conversation at table soon became general and lively, and she did not talk to her husband.
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter IX · ¶ 6
  • Denísov, now a general on the retired list and much dissatisfied with the present state of affairs
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XI · ¶ 4
  • Denísov felt that he too was delighted that Pierre, whom he did not much care for, had returned
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XI · ¶ 16
  • Denísov had much to talk about
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XIII · ¶ 5
  • Denísov, not being a member of the family
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XIII · ¶ 11
  • Nicholas and Denísov rose, asked for their pipes
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XIV · ¶ 8
  • said Denísov
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XIV · ¶ 20
  • They all fell on me—Denísov and Natásha...
    Book FIRST EPILOGUE · Chapter XV · ¶ 20

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