Short Fiction · Character

Monsieur Saval

A baron and notary whose eagerness to meet celebrities lands him in a painter's bare studio, sweeping dust and buying candles in evening dress.

supporting

Also known as Saval, Monsieur le Baron Saval, Baron, Baron Saval

First appearance: short fiction

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Monsieur Saval is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Patissot is the central character, experiencing the visits and feeling awestruck.

In the storyTwo Famous MenOpen this moment free

Monsieur Saval, a distinguished notary and baron, is so flattered by an invitation to meet celebrated guests that he pays both cabaret bills and follows the painter Romantin home. Instead of a glittering housewarming, he finds an empty studio with three chairs and a dilapidated broom, and is promptly set to sweeping while Romantin improvises a chandelier. His bewildered willingness to help, still in evening clothes, makes him the perfect foil for the artist's chaotic genius.

See Monsieur Saval in Two Famous Men Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Social Hypocrisy and Class
Defiance and Superstition
Seduction and Country Excursions
Varied Tales of Human Nature

+27 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 and psychological peak occurs when Leuillet receives news of Souris’s sudden death and experienc…

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In the story

Monsieur Saval appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Two Famous Men
Patissot is the central character, experiencing the visits and feeling awestruck.
VII: A Sad Story
Patissot, the curious and talkative listener who prompts the story.
Magnetism
Present at the dinner; engages in the debate on magnetism.
A Son
The senator who listens to the Academician's story and reflects on the fate of fatherless children.
Rust
Mentioned as Monsieur de Courville, the Baron's lifelong friend and neighbor who proposes the marriage and later confronts the Baron about his withdrawal.
The Chair Mender
The doctor who narrates the chair mender's story, identified as an old Paris physician retired to the country.
Friend Patience
The General-Treasurer who briefly accompanies the narrator to the Rue du Coq-quichante.
A Party
A notary from Vernon who considers himself a musical artiste; he is invited to Romantin's housewarming, ends up cleaning the studio, and is humiliated by the guests.
A Coup d'État
Sublieutenant Pommel is ordered to put on his uniform and assist in taking possession of the town hall.
Regret
The protagonist, an old bachelor who regrets his passive life and unspoken love for Madame Sandres.
I
Servigny's friend, who is skeptical about the titled introductions and teases Servigny about being in love.
II
Accompanies Servigny on a nighttime walk, offering cynical advice about Yvette's intentions and the dangers of marriage.
III
Saval is present at the house, accompanying the Marquise and Yvette during their walk, though he remains a peripheral figure in Yvette's internal turmoil.
IV
Assists Servigny in reviving Yvette and helps manage the situation.
In a Railway Carriage
Not present; the chapter focuses on the mothers and the priest.
The Farmer
Baron René de Treilles, the host who tells the story of his farmer's tragic marriage.

Chapter companion notes

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See Monsieur Saval in short fiction

See Monsieur Saval in Two Famous Men