# Alcée Arobin — The Awakening character guide

> Alcée Arobin in The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Arobin, Mr. Arobin

**First appearance:** 0019-xx

## Snapshot

A worldly, easy-mannered man about town who skips the preliminaries of acquaintance whenever a pretty woman is concerned.

## Who they are

Arobin arrives in Edna's orbit through horse racing and fashionable calls, and he makes intimacy feel effortless, telling her about the saber scar on his wrist as if they had known each other for years. He is drawn to her restlessness and repelled by nothing, and his frank, unhurried pursuit offers her a kind of experience she has never permitted herself. He matters because he tests what Edna's awakening actually wants, and whether desire can be separated from love.

## Relationships

### [Edna Pontellier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/edna_pontellier)

_romantic_

Alcée is Edna's sensual, casual lover who satisfies her physical desires but offers no true emotional connection.

### [Robert Lebrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/robert_lebrun)

_rivalry_

Alcée and Robert are romantic rivals for Edna's affection, with Alcée representing physical passion and Robert representing idealized love.

### [Mrs. James Highcamp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/mrs_james_highcamp)

_social_

Alcée and Mrs. Highcamp are social acquaintances who share a flirtatious rapport and move in the same Creole elite circles.

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/ellen)

_professional_

Ellen is likely a servant in Alcée's household, and their relationship is that of employer and employee.

### [Edna Pontellier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/edna_pontellier)

_romantic_

Alcée is Edna's sensual, casual lover who satisfies her physical desires but offers no true emotional connection.

### [Edna Pontellier](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/edna_pontellier)

_romantic_

Alcée is Edna's sensual, casual lover who satisfies her physical desires but offers no true emotional connection.

### [Robert Lebrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/robert_lebrun)

_rivalry_

Alcée and Robert are romantic rivals for Edna's affection, with Alcée representing physical passion and Robert representing idealized love.

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/ellen)

_professional_

Ellen is likely a servant in Alcée's household, and their relationship is that of employer and employee.

### [Robert Lebrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/robert_lebrun)

_rivalry_

Alcée and Robert are romantic rivals for Edna's affection, with Alcée representing physical passion and Robert representing idealized love.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxiii)

Present at the race course with Mrs. Merriman and Mrs. Highcamp, joining Edna and her father; Doctor Mandelet fears he may be involved in Edna's change.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxv)

Arobin escorts Edna to the races and later to her home, where he becomes increasingly intimate, kissing her hand and stirring her awakening sensuousness.

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxvi)

Arobin writes an elaborate apology and becomes a frequent visitor, cultivating intimacy with Edna.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxvii)

Sits close to Edna, touches her hair and face, kisses her, and expresses jealousy of her thoughts.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxviii)

Leaves Edna after their encounter; his kiss triggers her emotional turmoil.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxix)

Visits Edna, helps with moving tasks, and tries to arrange further meetings, but she postpones them.

### [The Dinner Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxx)

A guest at the dinner, sits beside Edna, makes witty remarks, and comments on Victor's appearance.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxi)

Remains after the guests leave, helps close the house, escorts Edna home, and uses gentle, seductive caresses to overcome her resistance.

### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Mentioned in conversation; his photograph is found in Edna's possession.

### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Drops in with a message, converses with Robert and Edna, and professes his adoration for Edna before leaving.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/chapters/xxxv)

Sends a note of devotion to Edna; takes her for a drive; becomes increasingly drawn to her sensuality.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters/alcee_arobin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_awakening_se/characters