Old Amable

How the Dean Placed His Hopes in Eclecticism, the Doctor in Revelation and the Warden in Digestion

The Warden, who advocates for eclecticism and epicureanism, and ultimately claims to believe only in digestion.

A Dinner and Some Ideas

Aged copying clerk known for his absurd doctrines; he sparks controversy with his anarchist and skeptical views.

A Christmas Eve Festival

The deceased shepherd, aged ninety-six, whose body is placed in a bread bin by his grandchildren.

The Wooden Shoes

Adélaïde's father, the old peasant Malandain, who orchestrates her employment and later marriage.

A Surprise

Referenced indirectly as the abbé Loisel, the narrator's uncle and guardian, a stern priest who raises the narrator and his brother.

A Vendetta

The widow Saverini, referred to as 'the mother' and 'Mother Saverini', is the protagonist who orchestrates the vendetta.

The Avenger

M. Souris, the deceased first husband, is the object of Leuillet's obsessive ridicule and jealousy.

Military Honors

Nicholas Pichon, called 'Longlegs,' is the old forester and Berthine's father, who goes to fetch the militia.

I

Introduced as the tavern-keeper Antoine Mâcheblé, nicknamed 'Toine, Brulot, and 'Toine-Ma-Fine; a famously large and jovial man.

II

Referred to as 'Toine-Ma-Fine, a paralyzed tavern-keeper who remains jovial but is dominated by his wife.

The Woodcocks

The deaf-mute shepherd, also called Gargan, who kills his wife for adultery and is acquitted.

Old Amable

The titular character, an elderly peasant resistant to change.

I

Deaf, obstinate, and avaricious; opposes the marriage because of the cost of raising another man's child, but yields to the priest's persuasion.

II

Césaire's father, who resents Céleste and the child, and after his son's death becomes a bitter, dependent figure in the household.

III

Attends the Assemblée, drinks, returns home to find Victor Lecoq in his son's place, and later hangs himself.

The Farmer

Master Lebrument, the farmer and former orderly, who faithfully delivers his wife's deathbed confession.

The Drowned Man

Local elder who provides information about the drowned man and the community's dynamics.

Boitelle

Boitelle's father, who is initially hesitant and ultimately rejects the idea of his son marrying a Black woman.

After

Not present; placeholder to avoid empty array.