# M. Segmuller — Monsieur Lecoq character guide

> M. Segmuller in Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Segmuller

**First appearance:** 0000-monsieur-lecoq

## Snapshot

A magistrate whose benevolent Alsatian face is a deliberate mask, Segmuller extracts confessions by kindness rather than by terror.

## Who they are

Segmuller presides over the investigation into the Poivrière murders, and his courtroom is the quiet engine room of the case. Behind his plump, paternal manner lies a Gascon cunning so effective that prisoners congratulate themselves on outwitting a man who is methodically turning them inside out. His willingness to trust Lecoq's unorthodox methods gives the young detective room to work, while his soft-spoken interrogations set the moral temperature of the entire inquiry.

## Relationships

### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq)

_professional_

M. Segmuller is the examining magistrate who works closely with Lecoq, respecting his investigative talents while maintaining judicial authority.

### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq)

_professional_

M. Segmuller is the examining magistrate who works closely with Lecoq, respecting his investigative talents while maintaining judicial authority.

### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq)

_professional_

M. Segmuller is the examining magistrate who works closely with Lecoq, respecting his investigative talents while maintaining judicial authority.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/v)

The commissary who listens to Lecoq's report and comments on the crime's mysterious nature.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/ix)

The investigating magistrate who reviews Lecoq's report, praises his intelligence, and conducts a shrewd examination of the Widow Chupin.

### [The Examination of the Widow Chupin and the Prisoner May](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/x)

Conducts the examination of the Widow Chupin and the prisoner May; expresses frustration with women's resistance to confession and decides to keep Widow Chupin in solitary confinement.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xi)

The magistrate conducting the examination of the prisoner May; he is methodical and perceptive, noting contradictions in May's story.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xii)

The magistrate conducting the examination, determined to uncover the prisoner's true identity.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xiii)

Exhausted after the long examination, but remains supportive of Lecoq's theories and orders Polyte Chupin to be summoned.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xvi)

Shows intense impatience and dedication, arriving early and repeatedly inquiring about Lecoq; conducts the examination of Polyte Chupin.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xvii)

Reviews the case and plans further investigation; authorizes Lecoq's inquiries.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xviii)

The magistrate who works with Lecoq, grows anxious and loses appetite over the case, but remains determined to solve the enigma.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xix)

The magistrate who becomes discouraged by the prisoner's defiance; initially rebukes Lecoq but later regrets his harsh words.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xx)

The magistrate to whom Lecoq sends an urgent letter during the chase.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxii)

Mentioned; Lecoq feels he cannot face him after the failure.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxiv)

Mentioned as the magistrate who replaced d'Escorval during the prisoner's examination.

### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/epilogue)

Listens to Lecoq's deductions, agrees to support his investigation, and eventually renders a verdict of not guilty for the duke.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/m_segmuller
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters