# Monsieur Binet — Madame Bovary character guide

> Monsieur Binet in Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Binet

**First appearance:** 0012-part-ii-ii

## Who they are

The tax collector in Yonville, known for his lathe work.

## Relationships

### [Emma Bovary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/characters/emma_bovary)

_social_

Binet is a minor local official whose repetitive habit of making napkin rings symbolizes the provincial boredom Emma despises.

### [Emma Bovary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/characters/emma_bovary)

_social_

Binet is a minor local official whose repetitive habit of making napkin rings symbolizes the provincial boredom Emma despises.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/chapters/part-ii-i)

The tax-collector, described as impeccably punctual and fastidious. He arrives exactly at six o'clock for dinner at the inn.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/chapters/part-ii-iv)

His constant profile is seen at his dormer window, bent over his lathe, a symbol of monotonous village life. He dismisses gossip about Emma.

### [The Agricultural Show](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/chapters/part-ii-viii)

Commands the National Guard during the false alarm and arrival of the prefect's envoy.

### [The Fears and Follies of Adultery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/chapters/part-ii-x)

Encountered illegally hunting. His sly remark ('there are people who like it') and prolonged presence at the chemist's shop cause Emma intense anxiety, fearing he will guess her secret.

### [The Desperate Search](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/chapters/part-iii-vii)

At his lathe, absorbed in his useless woodworking. He is shocked and recoils when Emma makes a desperate, ambiguous approach for money.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/characters/monsieur_binet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/madame_bovary_se/characters