His Masterpiece · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in His Masterpiece by Émile Zola.
Claude Lantier
major
Also known as Claude, Lantier, Monsieur Lantier, Monsieur Claude, Monsieur Claude Lantier
A passionate painter struggling for artistic recognition in Paris.
Christine
major
Also known as Madame Christine
Claude's devoted companion and later wife, who supports his art.
Sandoz
supporting
Also known as Pierre Sandoz, M. Sandoz, Madame Sandoz
A writer and close friend of Claude, part of the artist circle.
Mahoudeau
supporting
Also known as Sandoz of Mahoudeau
A sculptor and member of the artist group.
Jory
supporting
Also known as Gagnière, Jory of Gagnière, Madame Jory
An art critic and friend of Claude.
Fagerolles
supporting
Also known as M. Fagerolles
A painter who achieves commercial success through compromise.
Dubuche
supporting
Also known as Louis Dubuche, M. Dubuche
An architect friend from Claude's youth.
Bongrand
supporting
An older, respected painter who mentors Claude.
Irma Bécot
supporting
Also known as Irma
A young woman who becomes an actress and Claude's early model.
Mathilde
minor
The emaciated wife of Mahoudeau.
Chaîne
minor
A painter friend in the artist circle.
Naudet
minor
An art dealer who handles Fagerolles' work.
Henriette
minor
A woman associated with the artist circle.
Papa Malgras
minor
Also known as Malgras
An older art collector and patron.
Little Jacques
minor
Also known as Jacques
Claude and Christine's young son.
Courajod
minor
Also known as Monsieur Courajod
A member of the art establishment.
Mazel
minor
Also known as Monsieur Mazel
A Salon jury member.
Madame Vanzade
minor
Also known as Madame
An elderly benefactor who employs Christine.
Édouard Manet
minor
Also known as Manet, Édouard
A famous painter who appears as a character.
M. Zola
minor
Also known as Zola
The author appears as a minor character in the story.
Alice
minor
Also known as little Alice
A young girl in the story.
Old Margaillan
minor
Also known as Papa Margaillan, Margaillan
A wealthy father of Dubuche's wife.
Chambouvard
minor
A sculptor in the artist circle.
Hallo
minor
A minor character in the artist milieu.
Pouillaud
minor
A minor acquaintance of the artists.
Régine
minor
Also known as mademoiselle, Mademoiselle Régine Margaillan
Dubuche's wife and daughter of Old Margaillan.
Madame Joseph
minor
A housekeeper or servant.
Mamma
minor
Claude's mother.
Faucheur
minor
Also known as mother Faucheur, Madame Faucheur
A woman who runs a boarding house.
Gaston
minor
A child character.
Madame Jabouille
minor
Also known as little Jabouille, Jabouille
A minor character in the story.
M. Hue
minor
A minor acquaintance.
Lalubie
minor
A minor character.
Porrette
minor
Also known as old Porrette
An elderly woman in the story.
Mélie
minor
A servant or maid.
Poor Jacques
minor
A minor character referred to sympathetically.
Vernier
minor
A minor character.
