Sentimental Education · Character

Hussonnet

A theatrical journalist with a gift for mockery and a talent for landing on his feet, he introduces Frederick to the bohemian side of Paris.

supporting

Also known as Arnoux, the Arnoux, Thereupon Hussonnet, Hussonnet M. Arnoux, M. Arnoux, M.

First appearance: chapter i

As a supporting figure in Sentimental Education, Hussonnet is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A journalist and friend of Frederick, involved in the artistic and bohemian circles of Paris, often serving as a link to the world of commerce and art.

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Hussonnet works the press, the stage, and every dinner table where a free meal might be found, treating art and politics as material for the next witticism. He is the novel's comic operator—shallow, useful, and never quite trustworthy—and through him Frederick gets his first taste of the city's performative glamour. His easy cynicism exposes how much of Parisian 'success' is merely noise, and he keeps the story's satire sharp whenever Frederick's earnestness threatens to become suffocating.

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The fuller portrait of Hussonnet sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Hussonnet in chapter i

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

Frederick's Parisian Circle
Nogent and Bourgeois Society
Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional/psychological peak occurs when Rosanette directly names Madame Arnoux, shattering Frederick’s se…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Frederick Moreau
friendship · ambivalent
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian… How this plays out →
Madame Arnoux
social · positive
Frederick Moreau
friendship · ambivalent
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian… How this plays out →
Frederick Moreau
friendship · ambivalent
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian… How this plays out →
Madame Arnoux
social · positive
Madame Arnoux
social · positive

Frederick Moreau
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian social circles, often as a cynical observer.
Madame Arnoux
Hussonnet knows Madame Arnoux through her husband's artistic circle and acts as a social intermediary.
Frederick Moreau
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian social circles, often as a cynical observer.
Frederick Moreau
Hussonnet is a bohemian journalist and friend who accompanies Frederick through Parisian social circles, often as a cynical observer.
Madame Arnoux
Hussonnet knows Madame Arnoux through her husband's artistic circle and acts as a social intermediary.
Madame Arnoux
Hussonnet knows Madame Arnoux through her husband's artistic circle and acts as a social intermediary.

Relationship notes

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

See Hussonnet in chapter i

In the story

Hussonnet appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Sentimental Education
A journalist and friend of Frederick, involved in the artistic and bohemian circles of Paris, often serving as a link to the world of commerce and art.
CHAPTER III.
Present in social gatherings, contributing to the bohemian atmosphere around Frederick.
Chapter V
Hussonnet is present at Frederick's gatherings, contributing to the bohemian atmosphere.
Love Knoweth No Laws.
Accompanies Frederick and the group to the Alhambra, where he flirts with various women he knows from his work.
CHAPTER VII.
Part of Frederick's social circle, involved in artistic and political discussions.
A Change of Fortune
Mentioned as having taken over Arnoux's journal and transformed it into 'L'Art'.
Chapter VIII
Visits Frederick and discusses the state of the arts and politics, representing the bohemian intellectual circle.
Frederick Entertains
Invited to the housewarming.
Chapter X
Hussonnet is part of Frederick's circle of friends, participating in the entertainments at the new mansion.
At the Races
Hussonnet joins the group at dinner, discusses his journal Le Flambart, and displays a cynical, sarcastic demeanor.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Hussonnet in chapter i

See Hussonnet in Sentimental Education