# Mr. C. C. French — Democracy character guide

> Mr. C. C. French in Democracy by Henry Adams.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. French, French, poor French

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A well-meaning reformer and journalist whose earnest faith in good government makes him the drawing room's favorite target for polite ridicule.

## Who they are

French moves through the same Washington circles as Gore and the Schneidekoupons, a reform-minded writer whose sincerity sits awkwardly beside the cynicism of senators and diplomats. His naivety about how patronage and society actually operate leaves him perpetually a step behind the joke, the man others call poor French with affectionate contempt. His presence sharpens the novel's question of whether honest reform can survive contact with the capital's professional operators.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/chapters/iii)

Attacked by Ratcliffe for his Civil Service Reform advocacy; mutters about the senators being 'damned old reprobates.'

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/chapters/v)

Accompanies Madeleine to the White House reception and makes uncouth jokes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/characters/c_c_french
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/democracy_se/characters