# Sebastian Levinne — Giant’s Bread character guide

> Sebastian Levinne in Giant’s Bread by Agatha Christie.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Levinne, Mr. Levinne, the great Sebastian Levinne

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Snapshot

Vernon's oldest friend and fiercest champion, a composer of formidable ears and a loyalty that outlasts even death reports.

## Who they are

Sebastian Levinne begins as the lonely boy next door whom Vernon and Joe first besiege and then befriend, and grows into a celebrated composer and Vernon's most devoted ally. He is the one who recognizes Vernon when everyone else has given him up, coaxing memory back with patience and a stiff drink. His friendship is the spine of Vernon's musical life, and his knowledge of the whole story makes him the keeper of its secrets.

## Relationships

### [Vernon Deyre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/vernon_deyre)

_friendship_

Sebastian is Vernon's close friend and fellow composer, sharing a deep bond over music and artistic ambition.

### [Jane Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/jane_harding)

_friendship_

Jane and Sebastian share a warm, supportive friendship, often united in their concern for Vernon.

### [Joe Waite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/joe_waite)

_friendship_

Joe and Sebastian are friends through their mutual connection to Vernon, sharing a practical, down-to-earth bond.

### [Nell Vereker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/nell_vereker)

_social_

Nell and Sebastian are acquaintances through Vernon, with a polite but distant relationship.

### [George Green](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/george_green)

_social_

George and Sebastian are polite acquaintances, sharing a mutual interest in Vernon's well-being.

### [Jane Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/jane_harding)

_friendship_

Jane and Sebastian share a warm, supportive friendship, often united in their concern for Vernon.

### [Vernon Deyre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/vernon_deyre)

_friendship_

Sebastian is Vernon's close friend and fellow composer, sharing a deep bond over music and artistic ambition.

### [Jane Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/jane_harding)

_friendship_

Jane and Sebastian share a warm, supportive friendship, often united in their concern for Vernon.

### [Nell Vereker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/nell_vereker)

_social_

Nell and Sebastian are acquaintances through Vernon, with a polite but distant relationship.

### [George Green](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/george_green)

_social_

George and Sebastian are polite acquaintances, sharing a mutual interest in Vernon's well-being.

### [Joe Waite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/joe_waite)

_friendship_

Joe and Sebastian are friends through their mutual connection to Vernon, sharing a practical, down-to-earth bond.

### [Nell Vereker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/nell_vereker)

_social_

Nell and Sebastian are acquaintances through Vernon, with a polite but distant relationship.

## In the story

### [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/prologue)

The showman and owner of the National Opera House, who watches the premiere of 'The Giant' and later speaks privately with Carl Bowerman.

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

Sebastian is the Levinne boy, taller than Vernon, with a long yellow face and protruding ears.

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

Sebastian confronts the children as trespassers, speaking with a lisp and an offensive manner, and orders them off the property.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/vi)

The new neighbor and target of the children's war; accepts the truce and becomes friends.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Sebastian shares stories of Russian Jews and pogroms, speaks of the power of money, and expresses a desire to gather beauty; he and Vernon pledge eternal friendship.

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

Formally introduced to Vernon and Joe; described as queer-looking and sharp-witted.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Hosts the discussion; defends his commercial approach to art; announces his new business ventures.

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

Present at his mother's tea; his taste tempers the opulence of the drawing-room.

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

Analytical and reserved, discusses Vernon's musical genius with Joe, expressing cautious skepticism about its practical success; hints at hidden knowledge about Joe's living situation.

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

Mentioned by Nell; Vernon reflects on Sebastian's ears and his indifference to women.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/vi)

Restless and upset after Joe turned down his marriage proposal, blaming his wealth.

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

Vernon seeks Sebastian out but finds him not at home; Mrs. Levinne discusses Sebastian's feelings for Joe.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Vernon's valued friend and artistic confidant; he organizes the party and spoonfeeds Vernon with praise.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Visits Jane to tell her Radmaager will come to see her; speaks of his love for Joe and his frustration; asks Jane's opinion of Vernon.

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

Mentioned as having told Jane about Vernon's opera.

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

Discusses Myra's letter with Joe, offering a thoughtful perspective on Vernon's potential genius and his relationships.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Sebastian is referenced as the one who thinks Vernon might do wonderful things with his music and as the host of the party where Vernon met Jane Harding.

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

Thinks Vernon's move is premature but refrains from giving advice.

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

Visits Jane often, discusses his ambitions and feelings for Joe, and considers Jane's proposal to produce Vernon's opera.

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

Mentioned as having faith in Vernon's talent and being a successful composer.

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

Mentioned as being devastated by Joe's elopement; part of the trio with Vernon and Joe.

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

Mentioned as being absent after the opera; Vernon searches for him.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Visits Jane's flat, shows maturity and financial acumen, worries about Vernon and the coming war.

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

Sebastian is Jane's confidant, summoned by telephone. He is deeply moved by her loss and struggles with whether to tell Vernon the truth about her sacrifice.

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

Mentioned by Nell as a possible alternative to find Vernon; his prediction that the war will last two years is noted.

### [Book IV: War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/book-iv-war)

Remains a close friend and confidant, providing artistic and emotional support.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Debates with Joe about war and idealism; reflects on his own future and his feelings for Joe.

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

Visits with Joe; observes Nell's transformation; discusses war and explosives.

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

Visits Nell on leave, sharing his worries about Vernon's psychological state and his habit of denial.

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

Mentioned as a successful composer and a childhood friend; Jane credits him with helping her career.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Responds immediately to Jane's urgent telegram and interviews Mr. Bleibner about his chauffeur.

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

The yellow-faced man who questions Green and reveals his true identity as Vernon Deyre.

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

Sebastian plans to take Vernon to a specialist in London and discusses with Jane who should be told about Vernon's return.

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

Mentioned as having driven Vernon to Abbots Puissants and being one of the few who knows Vernon is alive.

### [II: Letters from Vernon Deyre to Sebastian Levinne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/ii-letters-from-vernon-deyre-to-sebastian-levinne)

The recipient of Vernon's letter; Vernon references Sebastian's past hints about his cowardice.

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

Recipient of Vernon's letter, addressed as an understanding friend.

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

The recipient of Vernon's letter, addressed as 'Dear Sebastian.'

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/vi)

The recipient of Vernon's letter; has urged Vernon to think more.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/vii)

Recipient of Vernon's letter.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/viii)

The recipient of the letter, a Russian artist and friend.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/ix)

The recipient of Vernon's letter; Vernon references their past discussions and entrusts Sebastian with the visual side of his unwritten masterpiece.

### [Telegram from Vernon Deyre to Sebastian Levinne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/telegram-from-vernon-deyre-to-sebastian-levinne)

Recipient of the telegram; Vernon hopes to see him in London.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/chapters/i)

Visits Joe, proposes marriage, and arranges her care.

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

Arranges for Vernon's care and gathers information about the Resplendent survivors; confronts Vernon angrily.

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

Host of the party where Vernon first met Jane.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters/sebastian_levinne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/giant_s_bread_se/characters
