Là-Bas · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.
Durtal
major
Also known as III Durtal, M. Durtal, Monsieur Durtal
The protagonist, a writer and aesthete obsessed with Gilles de Rais.
Gilles de Rais
major
Also known as Gilles, Undoubtedly Gilles, de Rais
Historical figure and serial killer, central to Durtal's research and fantasies.
Carhaix
supporting
Also known as Mme, Mme . Carhaix, mama Carhaix, Mama Carhaix
The bell-ringer and Durtal's friend, a devout and simple man.
Des Hermies
supporting
Also known as Monsieur Des Hermies, Monsieur des Hermies
Durtal's friend, a cynical and learned doctor.
Mme Chantelouve
supporting
Also known as Mme . Chantelouve, the Chantelouve
A mysterious woman who becomes involved with Durtal.
Canon Docre
supporting
Also known as Docre
A renegade priest and practitioner of black magic.
Dr. Johannès
supporting
Also known as Johannès, Only Dr. Johannès
An alchemist and occultist who aids Durtal.
Gévingey
minor
Also known as Monsieur Gévingey
An astrologer and associate of Des Hermies.
Hyacinthe Chantelouve
supporting
Also known as Hyacinthe, Chantelouve, another Hyacinthe
The full name of Mme Chantelouve, Durtal's lover.
Jean de Malestroit
minor
Also known as de Malestroit, Jean
A historical bishop involved in the trial of Gilles de Rais.
Gilles de Sillé
minor
Also known as de Sillé, Sillé, Gilles de
An accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
Père Rateau
minor
Also known as Rateau
A priest and friend of Carhaix.
Charles VII
minor
Also known as Charles
King of France during the time of Gilles de Rais.
Francesco Prelati
minor
Also known as Prelati
An Italian alchemist and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
Satan
minor
The devil, invoked in black masses and occult discussions.
Michelet
minor
A historian whose work on Gilles de Rais is referenced.
Triphine
minor
A saint associated with the legend of Bluebeard.
Jean Sans Peur
minor
Duke of Burgundy, a historical figure mentioned in context.
Jean V
minor
Duke of Brittany, a contemporary of Gilles de Rais.
Eliphas Levi
minor
A famous occultist whose works are discussed.
Melchisedek
minor
A biblical figure referenced in occult contexts.
Matthæus Grünewald
minor
Also known as Grünewald
A painter whose crucifixion scene is admired by Durtal.
Bodin
minor
Also known as the benevolent Bodin
A demonologist whose writings are cited.
Zola
minor
A novelist criticized by Durtal for naturalism.
Bluebeard
minor
Also known as the real Bluebeard
The folkloric figure identified with Gilles de Rais.
Nicolas Flamel
minor
A legendary alchemist mentioned in occult discussions.
Robin Guillaumet
minor
An accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
Roger de Bricqueville
minor
Also known as Bricqueville
A nobleman and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
Eustache Blanchet
minor
Also known as Eustache, Blanchet
A priest and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
General Boulanger
minor
Also known as Boulanger
A contemporary political figure mentioned in passing.
Guibourg
minor
Also known as abbé Guibourg
A priest involved in black masses.
Vintras
minor
A heretical priest and occultist.
