The Confessions of Arsène Lupin · Character

Arsène Lupin

A gentleman burglar who turns courtship into larceny, announcing his marriage to a duke's daughter in the society pages before he has ever been introduced.

major

Also known as Lupin, Arsène Lupin, M. Arsène Lupin, Master Lupin, Horace Velmont, Lupin de Sarzeau-Vendôme

First appearance: I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…

As a major figure in The Confessions of Arsène Lupin, Arsène Lupin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dictates a coded message based on sunlight flashes, then confronts Baron Repstein, accusing him of murder and attempting to extort his fortune.

In the storyI: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…Open this moment free

Lupin moves through Paris as a phantom son-in-law, mailing flowers, planting newspaper notices, and letting the Duc de Sarzeau-Vendôme exhaust himself with rage. He claims he will sign the marriage settlement blind, without knowing the dowry — a gesture so disinterested it can only be a trap. His genius is psychological: he does not steal the duke's fortune so much as 'nurse' him toward a blunder, and the early stories hinge on watching respectable people lose their heads while Lupin keeps his.

See Arsène Lupin in I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Lupin's entangled victims
d'Ernemont family connections
Sarzeau-Vendôme lineage and shadow sign
Lupin's allies and adversaries

+27 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of Lupin’s tension and vulne…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Baron Repstein
rivalry · negative
Lupin outwits and exposes the corrupt Baron Repstein, treating him as a criminal… How this plays out →
Jeanne Darcieux
romantic · positive
Louise d'Ernemont
romantic · positive
Angélique de Sarzeau-Vendôme
romantic · positive
Colonel Sparmiento
rivalry · negative
M. Prévailles
rivalry · negative
Baroness Repstein
friendship · positive
Farmer Goussot
psychological · negative
Yvonne d'Origny
romantic · positive
Maître Valandier
professional · ambivalent
Nicolas Dugrival
psychological · negative
M. Prévailles
rivalry · negative

Baron Repstein
Lupin outwits and exposes the corrupt Baron Repstein, treating him as a criminal adversary.
Jeanne Darcieux
Lupin develops a romantic interest in Jeanne Darcieux, often protecting and aiding her.
Louise d'Ernemont
Lupin has a romantic entanglement with Louise d'Ernemont, marked by affection and intrigue.
Angélique de Sarzeau-Vendôme
Angélique de Sarzeau-Vendôme shares a passionate and complex romantic relationship with Lupin.
Colonel Sparmiento
Lupin clashes with Colonel Sparmiento as a cunning and dangerous adversary.
M. Prévailles
Lupin outmaneuvers M. Prévailles, who serves as an obstacle in his criminal exploits.
Baroness Repstein
Lupin aids and protects the Baroness Repstein, showing her kindness and alliance.
Farmer Goussot
Lupin manipulates Farmer Goussot, using him as a tool in his elaborate plans.
Yvonne d'Origny
Lupin is romantically involved with Yvonne d'Origny, displaying deep affection and devotion.
Maître Valandier
Lupin interacts with Maître Valandier as a legal professional, often in matters of law and deception.
Nicolas Dugrival
Lupin manipulates Nicolas Dugrival, using him as a pawn in his criminal schemes.
M. Prévailles
Lupin outmaneuvers M. Prévailles, who serves as an obstacle in his criminal exploits.

Relationship notes

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

See Arsène Lupin in I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…

In the story

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

I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…
Dictates a coded message based on sunlight flashes, then confronts Baron Repstein, accusing him of murder and attempting to extort his fortune.
II: The Wedding-Ring
Disguised as the working jeweller Horace Velmont; he swaps the ring to save Yvonne.
The Sign of the Shadow
Disguised as a retired officer, Lupin examines the painting and decides to investigate the d'Ernemont mystery, depositing 5,000 francs to search for the treasure.
The Infernal Trap
Captured and tied up by Mme. Dugrival and Gabriel; forced to sign cheques under duress.
V: The Red Silk Scarf
Disguised as a house-painter, he orchestrates the meeting with Ganimard, reveals the bloodstained handprint on the missing scarf piece, and demonstrates his deductive prowess.
Shadowed by Death
Investigates the attempts on Jeanne's life, posing as Paul Daubreuil.
A Tragedy in the Forest of Morgues
Solves the mystery of the Saint-Nicolas tragedy by sending a letter to the press, identifying the murderer as an ape-man, and later discusses the case with the narrator.
Lupin's Marriage
The mastermind orchestrating the marriage scheme, using an impostor to pose as d'Emboise and aiming to seize Angélique's fortune.
The Invisible Prisoner
The mysterious stranger who captures Trainard but then steals the money and escapes.
Edith Swan-Neck
Implied mastermind behind the theft; public opinion turns against him due to the murder associated with the crime.

Chapter companion notes

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See Arsène Lupin in I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…