Character guide

Clerambault

major

Also known as Madame Clerambault, Agénor Clerambault, Agénor, Sergeant Clerambault

A poet and pacifist whose worldview is shattered by the war, becoming a reluctant prophet.

Maxime

major

Also known as Maxime gaily

Clerambault's son, a young soldier who embodies patriotic fervor and clashes with his father.

Rosine Clerambault

supporting

Also known as Rosine, Honest Clerambault

Clerambault's daughter, caught between family loyalty and the pressures of wartime society.

Hippolyte Perrotin

supporting

Also known as Perrotin, the indulgent Perrotin

A pragmatic friend and publisher who tries to guide Clerambault through public opinion.

Julian Moreau

supporting

Also known as Moreau, Already Moreau

A fellow writer and intellectual who debates Clerambault on the role of art in war.

Leo Camus

supporting

Also known as Camus, the exasperated Camus

A fiery journalist and nationalist who opposes Clerambault's pacifist views.

Daniel Favre

supporting

Also known as Daniel, Poor Daniel

A young poet and friend of Maxime, whose death deeply affects the family.

Xavier Thouron

supporting

Also known as Thouron

A cynical politician who manipulates public sentiment for his own gain.

Octave Bertin

minor

Also known as Bertin, young Bertin

A young soldier and friend of Maxime, representing the lost generation.

Edmé Froment

minor

Also known as Froment, Dear Edmé

A sensitive artist and friend of the Clerambault family, troubled by the war.

Aline

minor

A young woman romantically linked to Maxime, representing civilian suffering.

François Mairet

minor

A neighbor and veteran who provides a grim perspective on the front lines.

Victor Vaucoux

minor

Also known as Vaucoux

A government official who pressures Clerambault to conform to war propaganda.

Alexandre Mignon

minor

Also known as Mignon

A wealthy industrialist profiting from the war, representing capitalist interests.

Papa

minor

Also known as dear Papa, Poor dear little Papa

Clerambault's elderly father, a symbol of pre-war innocence and tradition.

Madame Froment

minor

Also known as Froment

Edmé's mother, a widow who fears for her son's safety.

Madame Mairet

minor

Also known as Mairet

François Mairet's wife, struggling with the hardships of wartime life.

Dr. Froment

minor

A local physician treating the wounded and offering medical counsel.

Pauline

minor

A servant in the Clerambault household, loyal and observant.

Gillot

minor

A printer and associate of Perrotin, involved in publishing Clerambault's work.

Mamma

minor

Clerambault's mother, a gentle figure representing domestic stability.

Sertorius

minor

A historical figure referenced in debates about leadership and rebellion.

Chastenay

minor

A minor nobleman who hosts salons discussing the war's progress.

Dr. Verrier

minor

A psychiatrist who evaluates Clerambault's mental state amid his activism.

Lagneau

minor

Also known as the excitable Lagneau

A hot-tempered nationalist who frequently argues with pacifists.

Count de Coulanges

minor

Also known as de Coulanges, Coulanges

An aristocrat who represents the old guard's view on honor and war.

Guillaume Du Vair

minor

Also known as the Chief - Magistrate Guillaume Du Vair

A historical magistrate cited in discussions of justice during crisis.

The Calvilles

minor

Also known as the Calvilles

A wealthy family whose social gatherings reflect wartime hypocrisy.