# the servant — Against the Grain character guide

> the servant in Against the Grain by J.-K. Huysmans.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** his servant, the servants

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Who they are

Unnamed household staff who attend to Des Esseintes' needs.

## In the story

### [Notice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/notice)

Implied presence in the household at Fontenay, though not explicitly named in this excerpt.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/ii)

The two old servants from the Château de Lourps are kept on; they are trained to be silent and unobtrusive, wearing felt shoes and following a strict routine.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/iv)

A servant is directed to bring the turtle to the study.

### [The Perfume Experiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/x)

Called by Des Esseintes to verify the smell of frangipane, but declares he notices nothing.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xi)

The elderly servant who assists Des Esseintes with his travel preparations and is left bewildered by his master's sudden departure.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/chapters/xv)

Assists Des Esseintes during his illness and is sent to fetch the doctor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/characters/his_servant
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/against_the_grain_se/characters