# Felipe Hénarez — Letters of Two Brides character guide > Felipe Hénarez in Letters of Two Brides by Honoré de Balzac. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Don Felipe Hénarez, Don Hénarez, Hénarez, Don Felipe, Felipe de Soria, the Baron de Macumer **First appearance:** 0008-vi-don-felipe-h-narez-to-don-fernand ## Snapshot A Spanish nobleman exiled and stripped of his title, Felipe loves Louise with a devotion so absolute it becomes both his glory and his undoing. ## Who they are Don Felipe Hénarez, once heir to the Soria dukedom, arrives in Paris with nothing but his pride and an overwhelming love for Louise. He marries her and becomes the Baron de Macumer, a husband whose generosity and self-effacement are almost too perfect. His quiet intensity sets the emotional standard against which Louise measures every later attachment. ## Relationships ### [Louise de Chaulieu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/louise_de_chaulieu) _romantic_ Felipe is deeply in love with Louise, but she ultimately rejects him for Marie Gaston, leading to heartbreak. ### [Renée de Maucombe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/renee_de_maucombe) _friendship_ Felipe and Renée share a warm, platonic friendship, with Renée acting as a sympathetic confidante. ### [Miss Griffith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/miss_griffith) _romantic_ Felipe and Miss Griffith have a secret romantic affair, which is discovered and causes scandal. ### [Duc de Soria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/duc_de_soria) _family_ The Duc de Soria is Felipe's uncle and guardian, exerting authority over Felipe's romantic choices. ### [Miss Griffith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/miss_griffith) _romantic_ Felipe and Miss Griffith have a secret romantic affair, which is discovered and causes scandal. ### [Louise de Chaulieu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/louise_de_chaulieu) _romantic_ Felipe is deeply in love with Louise, but she ultimately rejects him for Marie Gaston, leading to heartbreak. ## In the story ### [Letters from Two Brides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/letters-from-two-brides) Introduced as the object of Louise's growing affection and curiosity. ### [VI: Don Felipe Hénarez to Don Fernand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/vi-don-felipe-h-narez-to-don-fernand) The author of the letter, reflecting on his escape, abdication, and solitary life in Paris. ### [VIII: The Same to the Same](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/viii-the-same-to-the-same) The Spanish tutor and political refugee; his dignified, reserved, and enigmatic behavior intrigues Louise. ### [X: Mlle. de Chaulieu to Mme. de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/x-mlle-de-chaulieu-to-mme-de-l-estorade) Louise's Spanish language tutor, described as adorably melancholy, solemn, and mysterious. She provokes him and notes his dignified silence. ### [XI: Mme. de l’Estorade to Mlle. de Chaulieu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xi-mme-de-l-estorade-to-mlle-de-chaulieu) Described by Renée as a dangerous adventurer who cannot be Louise's husband or lover. ### [XII: Mlle. de Chaulieu to Mme. de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xii-mlle-de-chaulieu-to-mme-de-l-estorade) Louise's Spanish tutor; his intense gaze and humble kiss on her hand provoke a mixture of fear and fascination. ### [XIV: The Duc de Soria to the Baron de Macumer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xiv-the-duc-de-soria-to-the-baron-de-macumer) The Baron de Macumer, recipient of the letter; the Duc urges him to accept the money and find love in exile. ### [XV: Louise de Chaulieu to Mme. de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xv-louise-de-chaulieu-to-mme-de-l-estorade) Sends a letter of devotion to Louise, offering himself as her servant and proposing the camellia signal. ### [XVI: The Same to the Same](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xvi-the-same-to-the-same) The object of Louise's affection; he obeys her command to return her portrait, demonstrating his devotion. ### [XVII: The Same to the Same](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xvii-the-same-to-the-same) Appears on a beautiful Arab horse; Louise tests his devotion by criticizing his showy horse, and he later switches to a less conspicuous sorrel. ### [XIX: Louise de Chaulieu to Mme. de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xix-louise-de-chaulieu-to-mme-de-l-estorade) Louise's beloved; his humble letter and risky wall-climbing demonstrate his deep devotion. ### [XX: Renée de l’Estorade to Louise de Chaulieu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xx-ren-e-de-l-estorade-to-louise-de-chaulieu) Felipe is mentioned as the object of Louise's affection; Renée advises Louise to test his love before marriage. ### [XXI: Louise de Chaulieu to Renée de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxi-louise-de-chaulieu-to-ren-e-de-l-estorade) Louise's lover who meets her secretly in the garden; he is timid, devoted, and speaks with eloquence and tenderness. ### [XXII: Louise to Felipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxii-louise-to-felipe) The recipient of Louise's letter; she criticizes his self-satisfied air and lack of the humble devotion she expects. ### [XXIII: Felipe to Louise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxiii-felipe-to-louise) Writes a letter of apology and devotion to Louise, explaining his actions and reaffirming his role as her servant. ### [XXIV: Louise de Chaulieu to Renée de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxiv-louise-de-chaulieu-to-ren-e-de-l-estorade) Passes Louise's test with perfect trust and loyalty; she accepts him as her husband. ### [XXV: Renée de l’Estorade to Louise de Chaulieu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxv-ren-e-de-l-estorade-to-louise-de-chaulieu) Mentioned as the object of Louise's tests and romantic idealization. ### [XXVI: Louise de Macumer to Renée de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxvi-louise-de-macumer-to-ren-e-de-l-estorade) Louise's fiancé; described as timid and bashful, with a 'Saracenic generosity'. ### [XXVII: The Same to the Same](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxvii-the-same-to-the-same) Louise's husband; described as angelic, passionate yet restrained, and deeply devoted. ### [XXVIII: Renée de l’Estorade to Louise de Macumer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxviii-ren-e-de-l-estorade-to-louise-de-macumer) Louise's husband; Renée refers to his passion for Louise as the source of her happiness. ### [XXX: Louise de Macumer to Renée de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxx-louise-de-macumer-to-ren-e-de-l-estorade) Louise's husband, who wakes her with the letter; he is to be godfather and is described as a 'sweetest of lovers' and a 'distinguished statesman'. ### [XXXII: Mme. de Macumer to Mme. de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxii-mme-de-macumer-to-mme-de-l-estorade) Louise's husband, praised as an admirable host and the object of her passionate love. ### [XXXIII: Mme. de l’Estorade to Mme. de Macumer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxiii-mme-de-l-estorade-to-mme-de-macumer) Referred to as 'Macumer,' Renée is curious about Louise's opinion of him. ### [XXXV: The Same to the Same](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxv-the-same-to-the-same) Louise's husband; his attention to Renée triggers Louise's jealousy. ### [XXXVI: The Vicomtesse de l’Estorade to the Baronne de Macumer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-vicomtesse-de-l-estorade-to-the-baronne-de-macumer) Louise's husband, referred to as Macumer. Renée observes his devotion and warns that Louise's treatment is diminishing his manhood and will lead to regret. ### [XXXVII: The Baronne de Macumer to the Vicomtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-baronne-de-macumer-to-the-vicomtesse-de-l-estorade) Traveling with Louise; received with acclamation in Italy; could obtain the Sardinian embassy. ### [XXXIX: The Baronne de Macumer to the Vicomtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xxxix-the-baronne-de-macumer-to-the-vicomtesse-de-l-estorade) Louise's husband, who passionately defends their love and comforts her after a frightening omen. ### [XL: The Comtesse de l’Estorade to the Baronne de Macumer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xl-the-comtesse-de-l-estorade-to-the-baronne-de-macumer) Renée criticizes his love for Louise as potentially dissembling or courtesan-like. ### [XLI: The Baronne de Macumer to the Vicomtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xli-the-baronne-de-macumer-to-the-vicomtesse-de-l-estorade) Louise mentions his glances at Marie Hérédia and his disparaging remark about his sister-in-law's lack of brains. ### [XLII: Renée to Louise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xlii-ren-e-to-louise) Mentioned as looking thin; Renée advises Louise not to show her concerns to him. ### [XLIII: Mme. de Macumer to the Comtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xliii-mme-de-macumer-to-the-comtesse-de-l-estorade) Mentioned as Louise's husband, who is moved to tears by her remarks. ### [XLVI: Mme. de Macumer to the Comtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xlvi-mme-de-macumer-to-the-comtesse-de-l-estorade) Deceased; Louise recalls his submissiveness and the love they shared. ### [Second Part](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/second-part) Louise's husband, the object of her passionate devotion. ### [XLVIII: The Baronne de Macumer to the Comtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/xlviii-the-baronne-de-macumer-to-the-comtesse-de-l-estorade) Mentioned as poor Macumer, whose fortune Louise inherited and who adored her. ### [LIV: Mme. Gaston to the Comtesse de l’Estorade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/chapters/liv-mme-gaston-to-the-comtesse-de-l-estorade) Louise's first husband, mentioned in her reflection on past love and contrasted with her current suffering with Gaston. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters/felipe_henarez - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_of_two_brides_se/characters