# Oscar Husson — A Start in Life character guide

> Oscar Husson in A Start in Life by Honoré de Balzac.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Husson, dear Oscar, poor Oscar, young Husson, little Husson, the deceased Husson, little Oscar Husson

**First appearance:** 0001-a-start-in-life

## Snapshot

A naïve young Parisian bound for Presles, whose small vanities and craving for approval make him easy prey for sharper companions.

## Who they are

Oscar Husson is a youth on the cusp of adulthood, sent from Paris into the countryside where his mother's hopes and a family friend's patronage hang over him. Desperate to appear worldly and well-connected, he is dangerously susceptible to flattery and the example of more cynical young men. His journey and early missteps at Presles set in motion the humiliations and hard lessons that will define his coming of age.

## Relationships

### [Georges Marest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/georges_marest)

_rivalry_

Georges Marest is a manipulative and antagonistic figure who constantly undermines and exploits Oscar Husson.

### [Pierrotin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/pierrotin)

_professional_

Pierrotin is the coach driver who frequently transports Oscar, acting as a professional acquaintance and occasional confidant.

### [Madame Clapart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/madame_clapart)

_family_

Madame Clapart is Oscar's overprotective and anxious mother, deeply concerned with his future and social standing.

### [Monsieur Moreau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/monsieur_moreau)

_professional_

Monsieur Moreau is Oscar's employer and mentor, guiding his career but also testing his character.

### [Godeschal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/godeschal)

_friendship_

Godeschal is a fellow clerk and friend to Oscar, often supporting him through his misadventures.

### [Cardot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/cardot)

_professional_

Cardot is a notary who employs Oscar briefly, treating him with stern professionalism.

### [Desroches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/desroches)

_professional_

Desroches is a lawyer who employs Oscar as a clerk, treating him with distant authority.

### [Mistigris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/mistigris)

_friendship_

Mistigris and Oscar share a lighthearted friendship, with Mistigris often teasing Oscar but remaining a loyal ally.

### [Georges Marest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/georges_marest)

_rivalry_

Georges Marest is a manipulative and antagonistic figure who constantly undermines and exploits Oscar Husson.

### [Pierrotin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/pierrotin)

_professional_

Pierrotin is the coach driver who frequently transports Oscar, acting as a professional acquaintance and occasional confidant.

### [Pierrotin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/pierrotin)

_professional_

Pierrotin is the coach driver who frequently transports Oscar, acting as a professional acquaintance and occasional confidant.

### [Madame Clapart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/madame_clapart)

_family_

Madame Clapart is Oscar's overprotective and anxious mother, deeply concerned with his future and social standing.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters/oscar_husson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_start_in_life_se/characters