The Red and the Black characters

First appears in chapter 4

A carpenter's youngest son in the provincial town of Verrières. Frail beside his brothers but exceptionally quick-minded, he has learned Latin from the local priest and privately idolizes Napoleon. His ambition, pride, and sensitivity to humiliation make him determined to escape the social position into which he was born.

First appears in chapter 2

The prosperous mayor of Verrières, a status-conscious landowner who measures success through property, reputation, and advantage over his local rivals. He decides that employing a tutor for his sons will add distinction to his household.

First appears in chapter 6

The mayor's gentle and sheltered wife. Naturally reserved and little interested in provincial competition, she is devoted to her children and initially receives their severe-looking young tutor with sympathy and concern.

First appears in chapter 4

Julien's harsh father, a carpenter who values physical labor and regards his bookish youngest son with contempt. He recognizes that the mayor wants something from the family and bargains hard over Julien's employment.

First appears in chapter 3

The elderly parish priest of Verrières and Julien's teacher. He has encouraged the young man's education and mastery of Latin, while hoping to direct his abilities toward an honorable church career.

First appears in chapter 3

Director of the Verrières poorhouse and Monsieur de Rênal's chief rival in local wealth and influence. Confident, socially aggressive, and politically adaptable, he is eager to exploit anything that damages the mayor's prestige.

First appears in chapter 7

Madame de Rênal's maid, who has accumulated some savings and sees Julien as a possible husband. Her practical interest in him creates tension when he refuses the match.

First appears in chapter 12

Julien's only close friend, a timber merchant living in the mountains near Verrières. Practical and independent, he offers Julien the prospect of a comfortable partnership outside both the church and aristocratic society.

First appears in chapter 26

The austere director of the Besançon seminary. His severity is joined to a dislike of petty intrigue, and he quickly notices that Julien's intelligence and isolation distinguish him from the other students.

First appears in chapter 31

A wealthy and influential Parisian nobleman who employs Julien as a secretary on Abbé Pirard's recommendation. He values competence, expects discretion, and gives his new employee access to political and aristocratic circles far above Julien's birth.

First appears in chapter 32

The marquis's son, a courteous young aristocrat who helps introduce Julien to the habits of the La Mole household and to fashionable Parisian life. His secure social position contrasts with Julien's constant awareness of rank.

First appears in chapter 34

The marquis's intelligent, proud daughter. Bored by the polished young noblemen around her and fascinated by bold figures from history, she is alert to Julien's ambition and difference even while treating him as a social inferior.

First appears in chapter 39

A liberal nobleman condemned to death in his own country and living in Parisian exile. His calm courage and political seriousness make a strong impression on Julien when they meet at a La Mole ball.

First appears in chapter 54

A worldly Russian prince whom Julien meets in Strasbourg. Experienced in the conventions of fashionable romance, he offers practical advice for regaining the attention of a proud woman.

First appears in chapter 55

A wealthy, devout widow prominent in high Parisian society. Her solemn reputation and regular presence in the La Mole circle make her a plausible object of carefully staged courtship.