Évariste Gamelin

Évariste Gamelin (ay-vah-REEST gahm-LAHN) is a young painter whose fervent belief in the Jacobin cause propels him into the heart of the French Revolution. He is a character driven by the idealistic vision that the success of this cause will forge a new and just France. Over time, Gamelin's commitment and zeal morph into a self-righteous quest for reform, blinding him to the nuanced realities of justice. His journey from passionate revolutionary to a member of the Grand Tribunal illustrates his transformation, culminating in the harrowing decisions to execute individuals en masse without trial. Among those sentenced is his dearest friend, Maurice Brotteaux, highlighting Gamelin's tragic fall into a romanticized idealism that ultimately corrupts his humanity.

Maurice Brotteaux

Maurice Brotteaux (moh-REES broh-TOH) stands in stark contrast to his friend, Évariste Gamelin. As an atheist and intellectual, Brotteaux remains skeptical of the masses' inherent goodness, refusing to surrender his principles for a cause he cannot wholeheartedly endorse. His execution, ordered by the tribunal on which Gamelin serves, marks him as a poignant symbol of integrity and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming oppression. He is a thinker whose refusal to compromise his beliefs ultimately leads to his untimely death.

Élodie Blaise

Élodie Blaise (ay-loh-DEE blehz) is a seductress who captivates Évariste Gamelin. Her allure is purely physical, devoid of any ideological commitment or loyalty to a cause. Navigating through the Reign of Terror unscathed, she eventually becomes the mistress of Philippe Desmahis, a man who shares her non-political stance. Élodie personifies the survivalist mentality, thriving in tumultuous times without being shackled by ideals.

Jean Blaise

Jean Blaise (zhahn) is a printseller and the father of Élodie Blaise. His role in the narrative, though not extensively detailed, contributes to the interwoven relationships between characters who navigate the complexities of revolutionary France.

Jacques David

Jacques David (zhahk dah-VEED) is a painter and mentor to the young Évariste Gamelin. Under David's tutelage, Gamelin hones his artistic skills, although his revolutionary fervor eventually overshadows his artistic pursuits.

Pére Longuemare

Pére Longuemare (pehr lohn-geh-MAHR) is a monk who becomes entangled in the revolutionary fervor after being falsely accused of theft. Maurice Brotteaux offers him refuge, and they share a fate of conviction and execution without trial. Pére Longuemare's story is one of misfortune, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of revolutionary justice.

Madame de Rochemaure

Madame de Rochemaure (deh rohsh-MOHR) embodies the archetype of a revolutionary opportunist. She adeptly navigates the political landscape, aligning herself with influential figures to ensure her survival and prosperity amidst the chaos.

Henry

Henry (ahn-REE), a dragoon, is romantically involved with both Madame de Rochemaure and Élodie Blaise. His entanglements reflect the complex personal relationships and shifting loyalties characteristic of the era.

Marat

Marat (mah-RAH), a significant figure of the French Revolution, represents the zeal and fervor of revolutionary activism. Although not elaborately detailed in personal terms, his presence looms large as a symbol of revolutionary ideals.

Robespierre

Robespierre (rohbs-PYEHR), another pivotal revolutionary leader, is integral to the narrative's depiction of the tumultuous political climate. His influence underscores the tension between ideology and governance during the Revolution.

Athenaïs

Athenaïs (ah-tay-nah-EES) is a prostitute who once received kindness from Maurice Brotteaux. Despite this connection, she meets the same tragic end as Brotteaux, executed alongside him. Her inclusion highlights the indiscriminate and often unjust reach of revolutionary justice.

Madame Gamelin

Madame Gamelin, the mother of Évariste Gamelin, plays a background role in her son's life. Her presence in the narrative underscores the familial ties that persist despite the upheaval of the revolutionary period.

Julie Gamelin

Julie Gamelin (zhew-LEE), Évariste's sister, like their mother,...