War and Peace

War and Peace

by

Leo Tolstoy

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Captain Ramballe Character Analysis

Ramballe is a gregarious French officer who chooses Bazdeev’s house for his quarters upon invading Moscow. When Pierre saves him from being shot by the madman Makar Alexeevich, Ramballe decides Pierre is an honorary Frenchman and spends the night drinking wine and telling stories with him. Ramballe is next seen at the end of the war, staggering weakly out of the woods and cared for by Russian soldiers.
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Captain Ramballe Character Timeline in War and Peace

The timeline below shows where the character Captain Ramballe appears in War and Peace. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Volume 3, Part 3: Chapters 27–29
European Culture vs. The Russian Soul Theme Icon
War and Peace Theme Icon
...honorary Frenchman, and Pierre can’t resist the man’s friendly nature. He introduces himself as Captain Ramballe, and though he tries to withhold his identity at first, Pierre gives in and offers... (full context)
War and Peace Theme Icon
Happiness and the Meaning of Life  Theme Icon
...to the French, but because he’s aware of his own weakness. After one meal with Ramballe, Pierre’s resolve to kill Napoleon has faded. He now feels disgust toward the French officer,... (full context)
Love, Marriage, and Family Theme Icon
War and Peace Theme Icon
Happiness and the Meaning of Life  Theme Icon
...he thinks of Natasha and their farewell a few days ago. He finds himself telling Ramballe the whole story—that Natasha is the only woman he’s ever loved, that he never acted... (full context)
Volume 3, Part 3: Chapters 33–34
War and Peace Theme Icon
Happiness and the Meaning of Life  Theme Icon
On September 3rd, Pierre wakes up feeling ashamed. He remembers his conversation with Ramballe the night before. He also recalls that Napoleon is due to enter Moscow that day.... (full context)
Volume 4, Part 4: Chapters 4–9
European Culture vs. The Russian Soul Theme Icon
War and Peace Theme Icon
...in the woods. Instead, they see two strangely dressed Frenchmen emerge from the trees. One, Ramballe, is tall and weak, barely staying on his feet. The second, Morel, is a stocky... (full context)