# Martial de Sairmeuse — Monsieur Lecoq character guide > Martial de Sairmeuse in Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Martial, Anne-Marie-Martial, Sairmeuse **First appearance:** 0000-monsieur-lecoq ## Who they are A proud young nobleman whose dazzling name and quiet interventions in peasant affairs conceal a passion for Marie-Anne that reshapes the valley's fate. ## Relationships ### [Marie-Anne Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/marie_anne_lacheneur) _romantic_ Marie-Anne and Martial share a forbidden, passionate romance that crosses class lines, complicated by family loyalties and political betrayal. ### [Jean Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/jean_lacheneur) _rivalry_ Jean Lacheneur, Marie-Anne's brother, is a hot-headed peasant who despises Martial de Sairmeuse as a symbol of aristocratic oppression. ### [Duc de Sairmeuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/duc_de_sairmeuse) _family_ The Duc de Sairmeuse is Martial's father, a proud and manipulative aristocrat who pressures his son to uphold family honor and class interests. ### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq) _professional_ Martial de Sairmeuse is a suspect and later an ally of Lecoq, providing information while being investigated for his role in the crime. ### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq) _professional_ Martial de Sairmeuse is a suspect and later an ally of Lecoq, providing information while being investigated for his role in the crime. ### [Marie-Anne Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/marie_anne_lacheneur) _romantic_ Marie-Anne and Martial share a forbidden, passionate romance that crosses class lines, complicated by family loyalties and political betrayal. ### [Jean Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/jean_lacheneur) _rivalry_ Jean Lacheneur, Marie-Anne's brother, is a hot-headed peasant who despises Martial de Sairmeuse as a symbol of aristocratic oppression. ### [Duc de Sairmeuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/duc_de_sairmeuse) _family_ The Duc de Sairmeuse is Martial's father, a proud and manipulative aristocrat who pressures his son to uphold family honor and class interests. ### [Jean Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/jean_lacheneur) _rivalry_ Jean Lacheneur, Marie-Anne's brother, is a hot-headed peasant who despises Martial de Sairmeuse as a symbol of aristocratic oppression. ### [Marie-Anne Lacheneur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/marie_anne_lacheneur) _romantic_ Marie-Anne and Martial share a forbidden, passionate romance that crosses class lines, complicated by family loyalties and political betrayal. ### [Duc de Sairmeuse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/duc_de_sairmeuse) _family_ The Duc de Sairmeuse is Martial's father, a proud and manipulative aristocrat who pressures his son to uphold family honor and class interests. ### [Monsieur Lecoq](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/monsieur_lecoq) _professional_ Martial de Sairmeuse is a suspect and later an ally of Lecoq, providing information while being investigated for his role in the crime. ## In the story ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxv) His biography is read; he is the son of the previous duke and is the current duke suspected of being May. ### [Part II: The Honor of the Name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/part-ii-the-honor-of-the-name) Key antagonist whose actions challenge the honor of the Lacheneur name. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/i) The duke's son, mentioned as accompanying his father. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies his father, observing the village and the peasants with a more detached and questioning attitude. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/iv) Observes the confrontation, is impressed by Marie-Anne's beauty, and later exchanges hostile words with Maurice d'Escorval. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as making threatening promises to Maurice; his caprice toward Marie-Anne incites Maurice's anger. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as walking with Mademoiselle Blanche de Courtornieu; rumored to be marrying her. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/vii) Accompanies his father, but is distracted by thoughts of Blanche de Courtornieu and Marie-Anne Lacheneur. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies his father to take possession of the Sairmeuse château; Maurice hates him for entering Marie-Anne's room. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/ix) Observes the lovers' meeting from a distance, leaning on his gun. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/x) Proposes a generous indemnity to Lacheneur, partly for political reasons and partly due to interest in Marie-Anne; sets off to negotiate and encounters the couple in a pine-grove. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xi) Approaches Marie-Anne with a false apology and romantic advances, leading to a violent confrontation with Maurice. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xii) Returns from his proposal, consumed by passion for Marie-Anne and plotting to win her despite rivals. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xiii) Visits Courtornieu, meets Blanche in the garden, and conceals his emotions when Marie-Anne's name is mentioned. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xiv) Attends the council, defends Baron d'Escorval against a proposal to exile him, and is captivated by Blanche's charms. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xvi) Arrives at Lacheneur's house with studied politeness; later follows Baron d'Escorval to warn him to flee across the frontier. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xvii) Object of Blanche's schemes; his visits to Lacheneur's house spark her jealousy. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xviii) Mentioned as a familiar guest at Lacheneur's house, possibly providing information for the conspiracy. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xix) Furious at the possibility of Maurice visiting Marie-Anne, he agrees to marry Blanche, but returns to Lacheneur's house after Blanche insults Marie-Anne, becoming a regular visitor and unwitting spy. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xx) Reported by Chupin to be involved in the rebellion, causing his father's fury. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxii) Absent from Courtornieu for six days, hunting; his neglect fuels Blanche's jealousy and rage. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxiii) Returns home wounded from a duel, which he keeps secret; he is confronted by his father about his possible complicity in the conspiracy. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxix) Supports Marie-Anne's cause, reveals his involvement in the circular, and suggests an escape plan for the baron. ### [The Baron's Escape Plot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxx) Arranges the baron's escape by providing a file and rope, motivated by a compromising letter held by Abbé Midon. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxii) Leads the investigation, puzzles over the missing rope and bloodstains, and rebukes his father for wishing harm on the baron. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxiii) Returns to Blanche out of duty and despair over losing Marie-Anne, but secretly worries about Baron d'Escorval and the fugitives. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxiv) The bridegroom, preoccupied and haunted by thoughts of Marie-Anne, receives a letter from Maurice d'Escorval and publicly denounces his father-in-law. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxvii) Retrieves his letter and pledges to save the baron; later marries Blanche de Courtornieu. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxviii) Attempts to justify himself by giving Jean Lacheneur a letter proving his innocence; arranges a duel with Maurice but is interrupted by soldiers. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xxxix) Publicly denounces the Marquis de Courtornieu and flees with Jean Lacheneur, later sends a letter to Blanche declaring their separation. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xl) Sends a brief letter to his father explaining he cannot return and asking him to come to Montaignac; later defends his decision to break with the Courtornieus, citing dishonor and his own indifference to Blanche, though he admits he fears his wife. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xlii) Implied to have orchestrated the marquis's downfall and is now busy managing affairs, but is suspected by Blanche of loving Marie-Anne. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xliii) Blanche suspects he is still in contact with Marie-Anne and orders Chupin to watch him. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xliv) Offers help to Marie-Anne and the baron; meets Marie-Anne at the Croix d'Arcy and behaves with restraint, focusing only on the baron's case. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xlv) Implied to be Marie-Anne's lover; Blanche suspects he is the one expected at the Borderie. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xlvi) Mentioned by both Blanche and Marie-Anne; Blanche accuses Marie-Anne of being his mistress. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xlvii) Delivers documents freeing the baron and reinstating the abbé, then swears vengeance over Marie-Anne's body and departs for Courtornieu. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xlviii) Visits Blanche to request access to her father's papers for the revision of Baron d'Escorval's case; unaware of Marie-Anne's murder; moved by Blanche's feigned sorrow. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/l) Visits Blanche multiple times, eventually asking to stay. He speaks passionately of avenging Marie-Anne's death, unaware of Blanche's guilt. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/li) Martial notices the change in treatment of Aunt Medea but is preoccupied with purchasing the Hôtel de Sairmeuse in Paris. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/lii) Expresses dark forebodings about Jean Lacheneur's revenge and departs for Sairmeuse, leaving Blanche alone. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/liv) Discovers his wife's secret and follows her to the Poivrière; reflects on his empty political life and lost love for Marie-Anne. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/lv) Imprisoned, contemplates suicide, then devises an escape plan with Otto, posing as May. Later escapes and finds his wife dead. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters/martial_de_sairmeuse - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/characters