# Charles Mignon — Modeste Mignon character guide

> Charles Mignon in Modeste Mignon by Honoré de Balzac.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Monsieur Mignon, Charles, Mignon, Monsieur Charles Mignon, Colonel Mignon, Citizen Mignon

**First appearance:** 0001-modeste-mignon

## Snapshot

Modeste's father, a former colonel and merchant who rebuilt a fortune in exile, returns home to guard his daughter's marriage with a soldier's cunning.

## Who they are

Charles Mignon is a weathered man of action who lost everything under the Empire, made a new fortune abroad, and came back to Le Havre to secure his family's place. Proud, shrewd, and fiercely protective, he distrusts the fashionable world and the poet who has captivated his daughter. With his old comrade Dumay he lays careful plans for Modeste's future, making him both a formidable obstacle and a quietly moving portrait of paternal love.

## Relationships

### [Modeste Mignon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/modeste_mignon)

_family_

Charles is Modeste's father, a wealthy merchant who adores her but is often absent due to business.

### [Anne Dumay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/anne_dumay)

_professional_

Anne is the loyal housekeeper and trusted employee of Charles Mignon, managing his household in his absence.

### [Modeste Mignon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/modeste_mignon)

_family_

Charles is Modeste's father, a wealthy merchant who adores her but is often absent due to business.

### [Modeste Mignon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/modeste_mignon)

_family_

Charles is Modeste's father, a wealthy merchant who adores her but is often absent due to business.

### [Anne Dumay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/anne_dumay)

_professional_

Anne is the loyal housekeeper and trusted employee of Charles Mignon, managing his household in his absence.

### [Anne Dumay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/anne_dumay)

_professional_

Anne is the loyal housekeeper and trusted employee of Charles Mignon, managing his household in his absence.

## In the story

### [Modeste Mignon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/chapters/modeste-mignon)

Modeste's father, who supports the plot to test suitors and observes the young men closely.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters/charles_mignon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/characters