In 'War and Peace', what is the name of Pierre Bezukhov's first wife?

In Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” Pierre Bezukhov’s first wife is Hélène Kuragina. She is the beautiful, socially prominent daughter of Prince Vasily Kuragin and later becomes known as Hélène Bezukhova after marrying Pierre.

Their marriage is arranged largely through social pressure and Prince Vasily’s efforts. Pierre has recently inherited his father’s fortune and title, making him an attractive match despite his awkwardness and uncertainty. Hélène is admired in St. Petersburg society for her beauty and charm, while Tolstoy portrays her as shallow and highly ambitious beneath that polished exterior.

The marriage deteriorates after Pierre suspects Hélène of an affair with Fyodor Dolokhov. Pierre challenges Dolokhov to a duel and unexpectedly wounds him, but the incident deepens Pierre’s unhappiness rather than repairing the relationship.

Hélène is sometimes confused with Natasha Rostova, Pierre’s eventual wife. Natasha is central to Pierre’s later life, but Hélène is his first wife. Near the end of the novel, Hélène seeks to end her marriage and dies after an attempted medical intervention.