Albert Savarus · Character

Rodolphe

The brilliant, ruined lover whose Italian years with Francesca Colonna survive only as a manuscript locked in Albert Savarus's desk.

major

First appearance: albert savarus

As a major figure in Albert Savarus, Rodolphe is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Rodolphe is the name under which Albert Savarus lived his real life: a young man of great promise who loved Francesca Colonna in Florence and lost her to the calculations of her family and his own poverty. His story reaches Besançon only in the pages of 'L'Ambitieux par amour,' the novel Savarus publishes in a Paris review while the town wonders who he is. Everything Savarus does in the present is a continuation of Rodolphe's grief and resolve.

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

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Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central romantic and religious figures
Local society and Italian nobility

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Francesca Colonna
romantic · positive
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by… How this plays out →
Princess Gandolphini
romantic · negative
Léopold Hannequin
friendship · positive
Gina
friendship · positive
Francesca Colonna
romantic · positive
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by… How this plays out →
Francesca Colonna
romantic · positive
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by… How this plays out →
Princess Gandolphini
romantic · negative
Gina
friendship · positive

Francesca Colonna
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by social and familial obstacles.
Princess Gandolphini
Princess Gandolphini is a rival for Rodolphe's affections, creating tension with Francesca.
Léopold Hannequin
Léopold Hannequin is Rodolphe's friend and confidant, often assisting him in romantic matters.
Gina
Gina is a close friend and ally of Rodolphe, supporting his relationship with Francesca.
Francesca Colonna
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by social and familial obstacles.
Francesca Colonna
Francesca and Rodolphe are deeply in love, but their relationship is complicated by social and familial obstacles.
Princess Gandolphini
Princess Gandolphini is a rival for Rodolphe's affections, creating tension with Francesca.
Gina
Gina is a close friend and ally of Rodolphe, supporting his relationship with Francesca.

Relationship notes

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

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