The Celibates · Character
Monsieur Hochon
A cautious, close-fisted old notary in Issoudun who watches family greed and provincial intrigue with the patience of a man who has seen every trick before.
supporting
Also known as Hochon, old Hochon, worthy Monsieur Hochon
First appearance: story i pierrette
As a supporting figure in The Celibates, Monsieur Hochon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
He is present during discussions about Philippe's plan to have Flore marry Rouget.
Monsieur Hochon belongs to the small circle of Issoudun notables whose silence is strategic and whose advice is rarely free. He balances a reputation for probity against a deep instinct for self-preservation, especially where the Rouget fortune and the town's schemers are concerned. His wary observations help frame the novel's early portrait of a provincial society where money, marriage, and inheritance are the real religion.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
60 connectionsA slice of how Monsieur Hochon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Friendship
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Issoudun power schemers
- Provins and Paris social network
+55 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs with the revelation that Doctor Rouget’s late-born daughter Agath…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Madame Descoings
friendship · positive
Madame Descoings and Monsieur Hochon are old friends and allies in the provincial society… How this plays out →
- Sylvie Rogron
social · ambivalent
- Pierrette Lorrain
friendship · positive
- Sylvie Rogron
social · ambivalent
- Madame Descoings
friendship · positive
Madame Descoings and Monsieur Hochon are old friends and allies in the provincial society… How this plays out →
- Sylvie Rogron
social · ambivalent
- Madame Descoings
friendship · positive
Madame Descoings and Monsieur Hochon are old friends and allies in the provincial society… How this plays out →
- Pierrette Lorrain
friendship · positive
- Pierrette Lorrain
friendship · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Monsieur Hochon in story i pierretteIn the story
Monsieur Hochon appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Monsieur Hochon unlock in the free preview.
See Monsieur Hochon in story i pierrette