Early Autumn · Character

Jean de Cyon

A red-haired young French cavalryman, wounded and romantic, who arrives in Durham trailing Paris, uniforms, and the promise of a very different life.

supporting

Also known as de Cyon, young de Cyon, the distinguished old de Cyon

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Early Autumn, Jean de Cyon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as having arrived at Brook Cottage, a figure of interest and potential change.

In the storyIIIOpen this moment free

See Jean de Cyon in III Book page

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Jean de Cyon first appeared to Sybil in Sabine's Paris salon on Armistice Day, black and silver uniform, slight limp, frank admiring eyes—and then vanished to the Argentine before she could see him again. Now he has come to Brook Cottage, restless and ill-tempered under the Pentland mourning, quarreling with Thérèse and rowing alone on the river. To the Pentlands he is a gipsy; to Sybil he is the vivid, unaccountable possibility of everything Durham is not.

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

See Jean de Cyon in I

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Social
Other

Character groups

Pentland Family Core
Pentland Social Orbit
Protagonist

+10 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, Olivia reaches an emotional and psychological peak of isolation, realizing she is "completely…

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Relationships

Sabine Callendar
romantic · ambivalent
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and… How this plays out →
Sybil Pentland
social · positive
Sabine Callendar
romantic · ambivalent
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and… How this plays out →
Sybil Pentland
social · positive
Sybil Pentland
social · positive
Sabine Callendar
romantic · ambivalent
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and… How this plays out →

Sabine Callendar
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and possible lover.
Sybil Pentland
A polite, superficial acquaintance through Sabine's social circle, with little emotional depth.
Sabine Callendar
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and possible lover.
Sybil Pentland
A polite, superficial acquaintance through Sabine's social circle, with little emotional depth.
Sybil Pentland
A polite, superficial acquaintance through Sabine's social circle, with little emotional depth.
Sabine Callendar
A sophisticated, flirtatious relationship with Jean as Sabine's European admirer and possible lover.

Relationship notes

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

See Jean de Cyon in I

In the story

Jean de Cyon appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Mentioned as having arrived at Brook Cottage, a figure of interest and potential change.
IV
Newcomer at Brook Cottage, described as tall, red-haired, and walking with a limp.
V
Describes his sense of coming home to America, his excitement about New York, and his decision to leave Europe permanently. He meets Sybil again by the river, feeling a strong physical and emotional connection.
II
Reveals his illegitimacy and true name (John Shane) to Sybil, discovers his ancestral connection to the Milfords, and expresses his desire to protect her.
IV
Jean is Sybil's impatient, red-haired lover, whose marriage to Sybil is anticipated before winter.
Chapter III
Sybil crosses the meadow to meet him; old Mrs. Pentland reveals there is a mystery about his mother.
IV
His relationship with Sybil is discussed; Sabine defends his mother's past.
V
Watches the bridge game, kisses Olivia goodbye, and accompanies Sybil and Sabine.
I
Marries Sybil in Hartford.
II
Jean is mentioned as the man Sybil has eloped with; Olivia defends him as a fine young man and wealthy.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jean de Cyon unlock in the free preview.

See Jean de Cyon in I

See Jean de Cyon in III