After Napoleon's invasion of Austria, Pierre Bezukhov inherits his father's fortune; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky goes off to war, leaving his pregnant wife at home; Natasha worries about her brother Nikolai.

Slim success at SChongrabern keeps the French at bay and the Russian army remains safe.

Pierre engages in a duel that changes his life.

Andrei hides in the countryside until two encounters renew his optimism.

Napoleon invades Russia and preparations begin for a great battle against him; Andrei learns of Natasha's betrayal; Pierre helps care for Natasha when she falls ill.

Pierre gets a firsthand look at war; Andrei suffers an injury; Natasha opens her home to wounded soldiers; Pierre is captured by the French army; Helene is unable to hide her pregnancy; Denisov and Dolokhov rescue a band of prisoners.