# Là-Bas — Character guide

> Key figures in Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

- [Durtal](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/durtal.md): The protagonist, a writer and aesthete obsessed with Gilles de Rais.
- [Gilles de Rais](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/gilles_de_rais.md): Historical figure and serial killer, central to Durtal's research and fantasies.
- [Carhaix](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/carhaix.md): The bell-ringer and Durtal's friend, a devout and simple man.
- [Des Hermies](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/des_hermies.md): Durtal's friend, a cynical and learned doctor.
- [Mme Chantelouve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/chantelouve.md): A mysterious woman who becomes involved with Durtal.
- [Canon Docre](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/canon_docre.md): A renegade priest and practitioner of black magic.
- [Dr. Johannès](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/dr_johannes.md): An alchemist and occultist who aids Durtal.
- [Gévingey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/gevingey.md): An astrologer and associate of Des Hermies.
- [Hyacinthe Chantelouve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/hyacinthe_chantelouve.md): The full name of Mme Chantelouve, Durtal's lover.
- [Jean de Malestroit](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/jean_de_malestroit.md): A historical bishop involved in the trial of Gilles de Rais.
- [Charles VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/charles_vii.md): King of France during the time of Gilles de Rais.
- [Francesco Prelati](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/francesco_prelati.md): An Italian alchemist and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
- [Satan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/satan.md): The devil, invoked in black masses and occult discussions.
- [Michelet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/michelet.md): A historian whose work on Gilles de Rais is referenced.
- [Triphine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/triphine.md): A saint associated with the legend of Bluebeard.
- [Jean Sans Peur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/jean_sans_peur.md): Duke of Burgundy, a historical figure mentioned in context.
- [Jean V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/jean_v.md): Duke of Brittany, a contemporary of Gilles de Rais.
- [Eliphas Levi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/eliphas_levi.md): A famous occultist whose works are discussed.
- [Melchisedek](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/melchisedek.md): A biblical figure referenced in occult contexts.
- [Matthæus Grünewald](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/matthaeus_gruenewald.md): A painter whose crucifixion scene is admired by Durtal.
- [Bodin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/bodin.md): A demonologist whose writings are cited.
- [Zola](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/zola.md): A novelist criticized by Durtal for naturalism.
- [Bluebeard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/bluebeard.md): The folkloric figure identified with Gilles de Rais.
- [Nicolas Flamel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/nicolas_flamel.md): A legendary alchemist mentioned in occult discussions.
- [Roger de Bricqueville](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/roger_de_bricqueville.md): A nobleman and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
- [Eustache Blanchet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/eustache_blanchet.md): A priest and accomplice of Gilles de Rais.
- [General Boulanger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters/general_boulanger.md): A contemporary political figure mentioned in passing.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/l_bas_se/characters