813 · Character

Steinweg

An old, threadbare traveler who returns from the Rand believing Rudolf Kesselbach alive, and whose innocent question detonates the widow's grief in a police office.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Steinweg, old Steinweg, Master Steinweg

First appearance: ii the blue edged label

See Steinweg in ii the blue edged label Book page

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Steinweg is Kesselbach's old confidant, a poor, hunted-looking man who has been three months abroad and knows nothing of the murder. His reunion with Mrs. Kesselbach is one of the novel's cruelest scenes: he greets her cheerfully, asks after "our dear Rudolf," and watches her collapse. He matters because he alone holds the secret of Pierre Leduc, the name everyone is circling, and because his loyalty to a dead friend makes him a target the moment he starts talking.

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See Steinweg in ii the blue edged label

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how Steinweg sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Kesselbach murder investigation core
Protagonist
Malreich family and associates

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Lupin experiences his most intense emotional and psychological pea…

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Relationships

Arsène Lupin
rivalry · negative
M. Lenormand
rivalry · negative
M. Lenormand
rivalry · negative
Arsène Lupin
rivalry · negative

Arsène Lupin
Steinweg is a German agent who opposes Lupin, leading to a clash of espionage and national interests.
M. Lenormand
Lenormand and Steinweg are opponents in an international intrigue, each representing different authorities.
M. Lenormand
Lenormand and Steinweg are opponents in an international intrigue, each representing different authorities.
Arsène Lupin
Steinweg is a German agent who opposes Lupin, leading to a clash of espionage and national interests.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Steinweg in ii the blue edged label

In the story

Steinweg appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V: M. Lenormand at Work
Old acquaintance of Kesselbach; wrote a letter from Cape Town announcing his arrival in Paris on June 1st, expressing interest in the Pierre Leduc affair.
VI: M. Lenormand Succumbs
Old friend of Kesselbach, questioned about Pierre Leduc and reveals a secret.
VII: Parbury-Ribeira-Altenheim
Mentioned as a key asset held by Altenheim, who claims Steinweg can reveal the truth about Pierre Leduc and the Kesselbach plan.
Arsène Lupin’s Three Murders
Murdered by Dolores.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Steinweg unlock in the free preview.

See Steinweg in ii the blue edged label