Little Dorrit · Character

Monsieur Rigaud

A suave, murderous Frenchman who travels under aliases and collects secrets like debts, he arrives in England wearing scent and rings and looking for someone to ruin.

supporting

Also known as Rigaud, Blandois, Monsieur Blandois

First appearance: iv mrs flintwinch has a dream

As a supporting figure in Little Dorrit, Monsieur Rigaud is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A prisoner in Marseilles, he narrates his version of his wife's death, claiming it was suicide during a quarrel.

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Rigaud — also calling himself Blandois — is a predator in evening dress, his greed barely concealed beneath elaborate courtesy and his violence always one polite sentence away. He insinuates himself into the Clennam household and into Mr. Dorrit's vanity, sensing weakness the way a hound scents blood. He is the novel's shadow, the reminder that respectability and villainy often share the same drawing-room.

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Character Web

32 connections

A slice of how Monsieur Rigaud sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Circumlocution Office and Society
Minor Characters and Background Figures
Protagonist
Inventors, Artists, and Shadows

+27 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

This excerpt represents the story's dramatic climax because it depicts Arthur Clennam’s psychological nadir an…

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In the story

Monsieur Rigaud appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Sun and Shadow
A prisoner in Marseilles, he narrates his version of his wife's death, claiming it was suicide during a quarrel. He is proud, manipulative, and insists on his gentility despite his imprisonment.
XI: Let Loose
The weary traveler who arrives at the Break of Day inn; he is revealed to be the notorious criminal Rigaud, who murdered his wife and was acquitted. He boasts of his gentlemanly qualities and vows revenge on society.
Mrs. Flintwinch Goes on Dreaming
Appears as a foreign-looking man dressed like a traveller, with black hair and moustache, who startles Mistress Affery by touching her shoulder.
The Word of a Gentleman
Visits the Clennam house under the name Blandois, flatters Mrs. Clennam, examines the watch, and displays a sinister, watchful manner.
Fellow Travellers
The insinuating traveller who signs the book as Blandois; his manner is disagreeable to the young lady.
On the Road
Pays his respects to the ladies at the convent; Little Dorrit finds his appearance sinister and notices him watching the party as they descend.
Something Right Somewhere
Blandois appears at the water's edge, looking pale after his adventure with Lion, but makes light of it.
X: The Dreams of Mrs. Flintwinch Thicken
Appears as Blandois, the visitor; flushes with drink, snaps his fingers contemptuously, and makes ominous remarks about trust and safety.
Missing
Monsieur Blandois is the missing foreign gentleman whose disappearance is the subject of the handbill and the inquiry.
An Appearance in the Marshalsea
Brought to Arthur's cell by Cavalletto and Pancks; he writes a threatening letter to Mrs. Clennam and taunts Arthur.
XXX: Closing In
Coercively narrates the Clennam family history, exposing secrets and manipulating Mrs. Clennam and Flintwinch.
Closed
Mentioned as the blackmailer waiting at Mrs. Clennam's house, possessing the proofs and demanding a large sum.

Chapter companion notes

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See Monsieur Rigaud in iv mrs flintwinch has a dream

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