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Major Paul Petkoff is Raina’s father, and he comes to know both Sergius and Bluntschli through his time fighting in the war. Rather simple and unambitious, Major Petkoff cares very little about his identity as a military man and displays minimal knowledge when it comes to matters of war. His rank as a Major in the Bulgarian army merely serves as a means of emphasizing the family’s elite social status, a position which he happily emphasizes any chance he gets. This focus on money and social standing reflects Major Petkoff’s shallow worldview and, in addition to allowing others to easily manipulate him, renders him a frequent victim of the play’s dramatic irony. Catherine, for example, often challenges Major Petkoff’s opinions or makes assertions on his behalf. While this dynamic adds a comedic element to the play, it also highlights the flimsiness of his individuality. Major Petkoff’s lack of conviction and initiative lead him to easily accept the lies that he hears throughout the play, especially those relating to his “missing” coat and Bluntschli’s true identity. These moments of dramatic irony work to reveal the true nature of love and war while also emphasizing just how much power illusions can have over an individual. Major Petkoff is so committed to his simple, idealized view of the world that he cannot see the evidence of his family’s lies that appear right in front of him. The scene about his coat particularly highlights this fault. As absurd as his obliviousness may be, however, it does add to the play’s central conflict and renders Major Petkoff a key character as a result.
