A Start in Life · Character

Mistigris

A sly, quick-witted young painter's apprentice whose mischief and mimicry turn every roadside inn and diligence ride into a stage for his tricks.

supporting

Also known as the ruthless Mistigris, the merciless Mistigris, Monsieur Mistigris

First appearance: A Start in Life

As a supporting figure in A Start in Life, Mistigris is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A student traveling with Schinner, who interjects with humorous comments and references to boxing.

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Mistigris travels the Paris-to-l'Isle-Adam road in the orbit of his master, the painter Schinner, and becomes a fixture among the coach passengers who carry news, ambitions, and gossip between town and country. His nickname—'the ruthless,' 'the merciless'—is earned through practical jokes and a talent for puncturing the pretensions of self-important travelers. He matters because his irreverent eye exposes the social comedy of the novel's early arc, catching the vanity and calculation of provincials and Parisians alike before the story settles into Oscar's more painful education.

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The fuller portrait of Mistigris sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

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Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Passengers and Artists
Protagonist

+14 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Pierrotin
friendship · positive
Mistigris, a young artist, is a cheerful and loyal companion to Pierrotin, often riding… How this plays out →
Georges Marest
rivalry · negative
Oscar Husson
friendship · positive
Schinner
friendship · positive
Pierrotin
friendship · positive
Mistigris, a young artist, is a cheerful and loyal companion to Pierrotin, often riding… How this plays out →
Oscar Husson
friendship · positive
Georges Marest
rivalry · negative
Schinner
friendship · positive
Schinner
friendship · positive

Pierrotin
Mistigris, a young artist, is a cheerful and loyal companion to Pierrotin, often riding with him for amusement.
Georges Marest
Georges Marest and Mistigris engage in a playful but sharp rivalry, with Mistigris often besting Marest in wit.
Oscar Husson
Mistigris and Oscar share a lighthearted friendship, with Mistigris often teasing Oscar but remaining a loyal ally.
Schinner
Mistigris and Schinner are fellow artists and close friends, collaborating and supporting each other's work.
Pierrotin
Mistigris, a young artist, is a cheerful and loyal companion to Pierrotin, often riding with him for amusement.
Oscar Husson
Mistigris and Oscar share a lighthearted friendship, with Mistigris often teasing Oscar but remaining a loyal ally.
Georges Marest
Georges Marest and Mistigris engage in a playful but sharp rivalry, with Mistigris often besting Marest in wit.
Schinner
Mistigris and Schinner are fellow artists and close friends, collaborating and supporting each other's work.
Schinner
Mistigris and Schinner are fellow artists and close friends, collaborating and supporting each other's work.

Relationship notes

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

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In the story

Mistigris appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Start in Life

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mistigris in A Start in Life