How would Strahd try to break a pacifist?

Hei all,

We just started the campaign and my players are currently exploring the Death House. Today they encountered the nursemaids specter in the nursery. I changed a few things in the story of the Death House, which resulted in the specter of the nursemaid being an even more vengeful and hateful spirit than specters already are.

I tried to make the group feel this irredeemable hatred emanating from the specter and the druid was still trying to talk to it mid combat, in order to calm it. While an admirable effort, I made clear that this was not possible and is absolutely fruitless.

The player never stated outright that he is playing a pacifist, but when it was his turn again, he took a long time thinking about his options. It seemed like he didn't have many damage spells equipped and it was clear that he was hesitant to actually fight, even if it was against a being of pure hatred that intended to kill the party.

I will have a talk with the player about the setting and what is going on with his character.

However, as a DM I would find it very interesting to see how Strahd would try to break a pacifist PC. Let me hear your takes on this!

Edit: Thanks for the many ideas! I talked to the player and he is not playing a pacifist, just a character who wants to use violence as a last resort. Nonetheless I think it's an interesting idea and will definitely use some of the suggestions here.