The characters in War and Peace search for meaning in a complex, chaotic world. This meaning takes many forms, from Pierre’s intellectualism to Marya’s religion to Nikolai’s patriotism. The search for meaning is an essential need, but not every character finds it.

Pierre’s search for meaning is mostly intellectual. Unhappy with his aristocratic trappings—a beautiful wife he doesn’t love and a wealth that allows him to indulge in endless physical comforts—he joins the Freemasons and allows himself to be mentored by Iosif Alexeevich Bazdeev. The secret spiritualism of the Freemasons is only a temporary reprieve. When he sees through the hypocrisy of the order, Pierre decides to focus on patriotism and the war effort, obsessed with killing Napoleon. This too fails. Pierre only finds meaning as a French prisoner—a horrific ordeal that teaches him to value the more mundane aspects of existence. This time of physical and psychological suffering is transformative. Pierre sees the flaws in his intellectual pursuits. After he marries Natasha, he blends the purposeful action of raising a family with the intellectual demands of the civil service. This simple, satisfying life makes him truly happy.

Andrei is a counterpoint to Pierre. He searches for meaning in the same places: He has a family, joins the army, and falls in love.