# Combeferre — Les Misérables character guide > Combeferre in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. **Role:** minor **First appearance:** 0032-book-iii-in-the-year-1817 ## Who they are A thoughtful, philosophical student revolutionary and second-in-command to Enjolras. ## In the story ### [The Friends of the A.B.C.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-friends-of-the-a-b-c) A member of the Friends of the A.B.C., known for his philosophical and humane approach to revolution. ### [A Group Which Barely Missed Becoming Historic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-a-group-which-barely-missed-becoming-historic) Represents the philosophy of the Revolution, complementing Enjolras. He is broader, more humane, and desires revolution with civilization, reading widely and attending lectures. ### [Marius' Astonishments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-marius-astonishments) Combeferre defends classic tragedy as having a reason for existence, comparing it to a duck in nature. ### [Book IV: The Friends of the A.B.C.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-the-friends-of-the-a-b-c) A thoughtful and philosophical member of the group, balancing Enjolras's fervor with reason. ### [The Back Room of the Café Musain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-back-room-of-the-caf-musain) Upholds the Charter weakly while Courfeyrac argues against it; philosophically watches the Charter burn. ### [A Group Which Barely Missed Becoming Historic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-a-group-which-barely-missed-becoming-historic) Represents the philosophy of the Revolution; broader and more humane than Enjolras, loves the word 'man,' attends lectures, reads widely, and advocates for civilization alongside revolution. ### [Enlargement of Horizon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-enlargement-of-horizon) Responds to Marius's epic praise of Napoleon with the simple, powerful word 'To be free,' and later sings a song about choosing a mother over glory. ### [Marius' Astonishments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-marius-astonishments) Combeferre defends classic tragedy, arguing that it has a right to exist alongside antique tragedy. ### [The Back Room of the Café Musain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-back-room-of-the-caf-musain) Upholding the Charter weakly, Combeferre watches philosophically as Courfeyrac burns the document, remarking that 'the charter metamorphosed into flame.' ### [Enlargement of Horizon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-enlargement-of-horizon) Responds to Marius's epic praise of Napoleon with the simple retort 'To be free,' then leaves singing a song about choosing a mother over glory. ### [Facts Whence History Springs and Which History Ignores](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-facts-whence-history-springs-and-which-history-ignores) Implied as a member of the student groups meeting at the Café Musain and the Corinthe. ### [Enjolras and His Lieutenants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-enjolras-and-his-lieutenants) Promised to go to Picpus. ### [Enjolras and His Lieutenants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-enjolras-and-his-lieutenants) Assigned by Enjolras to go to Picpus to rally supporters. ### [II: Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-marius) Present with the group preparing to attend General Lamarque's funeral. ### [Marius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-marius) Also present with the group ready to go to the funeral. ### [A Burial; An Occasion to Be Born Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-a-burial-an-occasion-to-be-born-again) Implied as part of the Medical School and Friends of the People contingent marching in the procession. ### [IV: The Child Is Amazed at the Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-child-is-amazed-at-the-old-man) Carries a National Guard gun and pistols, part of the revolutionary band. ### [The Atom Fraternizes with the Hurricane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-xi-the-atom-fraternizes-with-the-hurricane) Another revolutionary, part of the group preparing for the uprising. ### [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-old-man) Among those who took to the Rue Bassompierre with Enjolras and Courfeyrac. ### [Recruits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-recruits) Also observes the unknown tall man joining the group. ### [Book XII: Corinthe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-xii-corinthe) A thoughtful revolutionary, part of the gathering at Corinthe. ### [The Child Is Amazed at the Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-child-is-amazed-at-the-old-man) Armed with a National Guard gun and pistols, marching with the band. ### [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-old-man) Among those who took to the Rue Bassompierre with Enjolras and Courfeyrac. ### [Recruits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-recruits) Also remarks on the unknown tall man joining the group. ### [Book XII: Corinthe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-xii-corinthe) Philosophical member of the revolutionary group, present at the gathering. ### [An Attempt to Console the Widow Hucheloup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-an-attempt-to-console-the-widow-hucheloup) Assists Enjolras and Courfeyrac in directing the barricade construction; denies Gavroche a gun. ### [Waiting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-waiting) Among the group of friends reciting verses and preparing for the battle. ### [IV: An Attempt to Console the Widow Hucheloup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-an-attempt-to-console-the-widow-hucheloup) Assists Enjolras in directing the barricade construction; tells Gavroche he is too young for a gun. ### [VIII: Many Interrogation Points with Regard to a Certain le Cabuc](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-many-interrogation-points-with-regard-to-a-certain-le-cabuc) Watches Enjolras with admiration and compassion; offers to share Enjolras's fate. ### [Waiting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-waiting) Joins the others in reciting love verses during the wait. ### [VIII: Many Interrogation Points with Regard to a Certain le Cabuc](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-many-interrogation-points-with-regard-to-a-certain-le-cabuc) Present at the barricade, expresses solidarity with Enjolras after the execution. ### [I: The Flag: Act First](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-flag-act-first) Sits with Enjolras near the barricade outlet, listening for the approaching troops. ### [End of the Verses of Jean Prouvaire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-end-of-the-verses-of-jean-prouvaire) Proposes to exchange Javert for Prouvaire under a flag of truce. ### [I: The Flag: Act First](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-flag-act-first) Seated with Enjolras near the barricade outlet, listening for the enemy; identifies Gavroche's warning. ### [End of the Verses of Jean Prouvaire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-end-of-the-verses-of-jean-prouvaire) Proposes to exchange Javert for the captured Jean Prouvaire, but the plan is thwarted by Prouvaire's execution. ### [Book I: The War Between Four Walls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-i-the-war-between-four-walls) A key revolutionary, known for his philosophical and practical contributions to the uprising. ### [What Is to Be Done in the Abyss if One Does Not Converse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-what-is-to-be-done-in-the-abyss-if-one-does-not-converse) Examines the wine bottles, speaks of the dead and compares translators of the Georgics; discusses Caesar and Brutus. ### [Minus Five, Plus One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-minus-five-plus-one) Delivers a moving speech about the suffering of women and children, urging the men to think of their families. ### [The Horizon Which One Beholds from the Summit of a Barricade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-horizon-which-one-beholds-from-the-summit-of-a-barricade) Mentioned as having influenced Enjolras's ideas toward a broader, more progressive vision. ### [What Is to Be Done in the Abyss if One Does Not Converse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-what-is-to-be-done-in-the-abyss-if-one-does-not-converse) Examines the wine bottles, speaks of the dead and the morality of political murder, and discusses translations of the Georgics. ### [VII: The Situation Becomes Aggravated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-the-situation-becomes-aggravated) Provides detailed analysis of the cannon's construction and ballistic properties. ### [The Artillerymen Compel People to Take Them Seriously](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-artillerymen-compel-people-to-take-them-seriously) Pleads with Enjolras to spare the young artillery sergeant, but Enjolras kills him anyway. ### [IV: Minus Five, Plus One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-minus-five-plus-one) Combeferre delivers a moving speech about the suffering of women and children, urging those with dependents to leave the barricade. ### [IX: Employment of the Old Talents of a Poacher and That Infallible Marksmanship Which Influenced the Condemnation of 1796](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-employment-of-the-old-talents-of-a-poacher-and-that-infallible-marksmanship-which-influenced-the-condemnation-of-1796) Points out that there are no spare mattresses as the wounded are using them. ### [V: The Horizon Which One Beholds from the Summit of a Barricade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-the-horizon-which-one-beholds-from-the-summit-of-a-barricade) Mentioned as having influenced Enjolras's thinking, helping him move from narrow dogma to a broader vision of progress. ### [VII: The Situation Becomes Aggravated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-the-situation-becomes-aggravated) Provides detailed analysis of the brass cannon's composition and historical rifling techniques. ### [XII: Disorder a Partisan of Order](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xii-disorder-a-partisan-of-order) Responds to Bossuet, describing Fannicot as 'a man who does good by gunshots.' ### [The Artillerymen Compel People to Take Them Seriously](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-the-artillerymen-compel-people-to-take-them-seriously) Pleads with Enjolras not to kill the young artillery sergeant, arguing against the brutality of war. ### [Employment of the Old Talents of a Poacher and That Infallible Marksmanship Which Influenced the Condemnation of 1796](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ix-employment-of-the-old-talents-of-a-poacher-and-that-infallible-marksmanship-which-influenced-the-condemnation-of-1796) Notes that the wounded are lying on the available mattresses, then questions who will fetch the fallen mattress. ### [Mortuus Pater Filium Moriturum Expectat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvii-mortuus-pater-filium-moriturum-expectat) Combeferre follows Marius, retrieves the basket of cartridges, distributes them, and later dresses wounds. ### [XII: Disorder a Partisan of Order](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xii-disorder-a-partisan-of-order) Responds to Bossuet, describing Fannicot as 'a man who does good by gunshots.' ### [The Vulture Become Prey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xviii-the-vulture-become-prey) Notes that it is midday as the clock strikes twelve. ### [XVII: Mortuus Pater Filium Moriturum Expectat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xvii-mortuus-pater-filium-moriturum-expectat) Brings back the basket of cartridges and distributes them; dresses wounds. ### [XXI: The Heroes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxi-the-heroes) Wounded by three bayonet thrusts while lifting a wounded soldier, dies gazing heavenward. ### [Foot to Foot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxii-foot-to-foot) Previously part of the center defense that gave way during the assault. ### [The Vulture Become Prey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xviii-the-vulture-become-prey) Notes that it is midday as the clock strikes twelve. ### [XXI: The Heroes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxi-the-heroes) Transfixed by three bayonet wounds while lifting a wounded soldier, dies gazing heavenward. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters/combeferre - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/les_miserables_se/characters