Notre-Dame de Paris · Character

Clopin Trouillefou

King of Thunes and prince of Argot, Clopin commands the vagabonds of the Court of Miracles with a hoarse voice and a torch that makes Notre-Dame flicker.

supporting

Also known as Clopin, Trouillefou, surly Clopin

First appearance: ii the place de gr ve

As a supporting figure in Notre-Dame de Paris, Clopin Trouillefou is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Participates in the grinning match but is defeated by Quasimodo's grimace; he confesses himself conquered.

In the storyV: QuasimodoOpen this moment free

Clopin rules the underworld of beggars and outcasts who answer only to their own laws, and he treats the church itself as a rival sovereign to be negotiated with, not obeyed. When he raises his torch before Notre-Dame to demand asylum for a condemned sister, he reveals both his theatrical authority and the fragile discipline holding his ragged kingdom together. His claim that the outcasts' law is as sacred as the cathedral's sets the terms of the conflict that will decide who may shelter the hunted.

See Clopin Trouillefou in V: Quasimodo Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Clopin Trouillefou sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Court of Miracles denizens
Minor figures and witnesses

+16 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of a mother’s…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Pierre Gringoire
social · ambivalent
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but… How this plays out →
Pierre Gringoire
social · ambivalent
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but… How this plays out →
Pierre Gringoire
social · ambivalent
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but… How this plays out →

Pierre Gringoire
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but spares him for marriage to Esmeralda.
Pierre Gringoire
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but spares him for marriage to Esmeralda.
Pierre Gringoire
Clopin is the king of the Court of Miracles who initially threatens to hang Gringoire but spares him for marriage to Esmeralda.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Clopin Trouillefou in ii the place de gr ve

In the story

Clopin Trouillefou appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V: Quasimodo
Participates in the grinning match but is defeated by Quasimodo's grimace; he confesses himself conquered.
Book II
The King of the Vagabonds, who presides over the Court of Miracles and nearly hangs Gringoire.
VI: The Broken Jug
King of Thunes, presides over the Cour des Miracles, orders Gringoire's hanging, and offers him to La Esmeralda as a husband.
Book X
Leads the vagabonds in their attack on Notre-Dame to rescue Esmeralda.
Long Live Mirth
King of Thunes, arms the vagabonds and leads the midnight march to rescue Esmeralda.
An Awkward Friend
Leads the vagabond attack on Notre-Dame; expresses frustration at the church's defenses.
Châteaupers to the Rescue
Fights fiercely with a scythe during the battle, but is killed by an arquebus shot.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Clopin Trouillefou unlock in the free preview.

See Clopin Trouillefou in ii the place de gr ve

See Clopin Trouillefou in V: Quasimodo