Major Paul Petkoff Character Analysis in Arms and the Man

Major Petkoff, though wealthy in Bulgaria, is a somewhat bumbling and inept man who, despite his rank, doesn’t seem to be good at or interested in dealing with military affairs. Though he is immensely proud of his library we get the sense that he is not particularly well-read. He is deeply fond of his daughter, and accepts her relationship with Bluntschli at the end of the play.

Major Paul Petkoff Character Timeline in Arms and the Man

The timeline below shows where the character Major Paul Petkoff appears in Arms and the Man. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

A loud knocking on the gate announces that Major Paul Petkoff, Raina’s father, is back from the war. Nicola quickly tells Louka to fetch coffee,... (full context)

Catherine and Paul catch up, bickering amicably about changes to the house, including a bell that rings for... (full context)

Romanticism / Idealism vs. Realism Theme Icon

...He then asks to see Raina, who appears suddenly around the side of the house. Petkoff remarks aside to Catherine that Raina appears always at the right moment. Catherine impatiently tells... (full context)

...to be a soldier anymore—it is, he realizes, a “base,” ignoble profession. Then he and Petkoff recall a story they heard about a Swiss soldier fighting for the Servians who was... (full context)

...women. Sergius launches into an elaborate speech of apology which is cut off by Major Petkoff, who tells him his daughter is being too sensitive. Petkoff asks Sergius inside but Catherine... (full context)

...they are about to leave for their walk, Catherine enters and tells Sergius that Major Petkoff needs him for something. When he leaves, Raina visibly relaxes. (full context)

...Catherine is startled and tells Louka to bring him to the garden without letting Major Petkoff or Sergius see him. (full context)

Just then Major Petkoff arrives, warmly greeting Bluntschli by name and shaking his hand. He does not notice how... (full context)

...a name. He tells her it is a relief to hear that she was not. Petkoff is fed up with his servants, and brings Nicola outside to scold him for his... (full context)

...working, but is instead watching Bluntschli work and noting his quick and efficient progress. Major Petkoff is lounging happily on the ottoman, reading a newspaper. Raina is relaxing on a divan... (full context)

Petkoff asks Bluntschli if there is any way he could be of service. Bluntschli, without pausing... (full context)

Petkoff asks Catherine to fetch his old coat—he remarks it is not in the closet where... (full context)

Major Petkoff enters, and everyone pretends everything is normal. He is holding his jacket. Raina asks to... (full context)

...is not seventeen but twenty-three. Bluntschli is shocked, thinks for a moment, and asks Major Petkoff if he may court Raina. (full context)