# Jérôme-Nicolas Séchard — Lost Illusions character guide

> Jérôme-Nicolas Séchard in Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Séchard, Nicolas Séchard, Papa Séchard

**First appearance:** 0002-part-i-two-poets

## Snapshot

A retired pressman turned master printer whose thirst for wine and gold outweighs every paternal instinct he ever possessed.

## Who they are

Old Séchard clawed his way from journeyman 'bear' to printing-house owner during the Revolution, and now schemes to sell the business to his own son at an extortionate price. His avarice is matched only by his love of drink — the two vices have long since crowded out any tenderness toward David. He matters because his ruthless bargain sets the whole plot in motion, saddling the younger Séchard with debt before his ambitions can even begin.

## In the story

### [Part I: Two Poets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_illusions_se/chapters/part-i-two-poets)

Mentioned as David's father, who sold the printing business to David. His absence in the chapter highlights David's independence and the family's modest origins.

### [Part III: Eve and David](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_illusions_se/chapters/part-iii-eve-and-david)

Mentioned as David's father, still living, and the family can wait until he dies.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_illusions_se/characters/jerome_nicolas_sechard
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_illusions_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lost_illusions_se/characters