The Counterfeiters · Character

Robert de Passavant

A wealthy, charming count and literary dandy who collects young men the way other people collect books.

supporting

Also known as The Comte de Passavant, Passavant, Comte Robert de Passavant

First appearance: Vincent and the Comte de Passavant

As a supporting figure in The Counterfeiters, Robert de Passavant is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A cynical and manipulative figure who influences Olivier.

In the storyPart I: ParisOpen this moment free

See Robert de Passavant in Part I: Paris Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Passavant moves through Parisian society with an epigram for every occasion and a secret reason for every friendship — including his sudden interest in Vincent, whom he hires to tend his invalid father. He flatters Olivier, tolerates Vincent, and dismisses his own friends as proven imbeciles, all with the same polished smile. Edouard's journal calls him the type that spreads ruin and receives applause, and his influence over the Molinier brothers is the quiet menace running beneath the novel's social comedy.

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The fuller portrait of Robert de Passavant sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Robert de Passavant in Vincent and the Comte de Passavant

Character Web

27 connections

A slice of how Robert de Passavant sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Vedel Pension Circle
Minor Family Members
Protagonist

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, Edouard articulates the "deep-lying subject" of his novel—the rivalry between reality and rep…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Vincent Molinier
psychological · negative
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral… How this plays out →
Olivier Molinier
psychological · negative
Edouard
rivalry · negative
Bernard Profitendieu
rivalry · negative
Vincent Molinier
psychological · negative
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral… How this plays out →
Vincent Molinier
psychological · negative
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral… How this plays out →
Olivier Molinier
psychological · negative
Olivier Molinier
psychological · negative
Edouard
rivalry · negative
Bernard Profitendieu
rivalry · negative
Bernard Profitendieu
rivalry · negative
Edouard
rivalry · negative

Vincent Molinier
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral corruption.
Olivier Molinier
Olivier is initially infatuated with Robert de Passavant, who exerts a seductive and corrupting influence over him.
Edouard
Edouard and Robert de Passavant are literary and personal rivals, each vying for influence over Olivier.
Bernard Profitendieu
Bernard dislikes and distrusts Robert de Passavant, seeing him as a corrupting influence on Olivier.
Vincent Molinier
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral corruption.
Vincent Molinier
Robert de Passavant manipulates Vincent, drawing him into a world of vice and moral corruption.
Olivier Molinier
Olivier is initially infatuated with Robert de Passavant, who exerts a seductive and corrupting influence over him.
Olivier Molinier
Olivier is initially infatuated with Robert de Passavant, who exerts a seductive and corrupting influence over him.
Edouard
Edouard and Robert de Passavant are literary and personal rivals, each vying for influence over Olivier.
Bernard Profitendieu
Bernard dislikes and distrusts Robert de Passavant, seeing him as a corrupting influence on Olivier.
Bernard Profitendieu
Bernard dislikes and distrusts Robert de Passavant, seeing him as a corrupting influence on Olivier.
Edouard
Edouard and Robert de Passavant are literary and personal rivals, each vying for influence over Olivier.

Relationship notes

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

See Robert de Passavant in Vincent and the Comte de Passavant

In the story

Robert de Passavant appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: Paris
A cynical and manipulative figure who influences Olivier.
Vincent and the Comte de Passavant
Hosts Vincent; offers him money to gamble again; discusses his father's death with cynicism and asks about Olivier.
Vincent Meets Passavant at Lady Griffith’s
Discusses Vincent with Lilian, bets on Vincent's gambling, and leaves after Vincent's win; mentions his father's death.
VII: Lilian and Vincent
Implied as the source of an invitation Vincent is to pass to Olivier; Lilian reacts with an odd smile.
VIII: Edouard and Laura
His book 'The Horizontal Bar' is being praised in newspapers, causing Edouard irritation and jealousy.
XV: Olivier Visits the Comte de Passavant
Hosts Olivier, flatters him, proposes the review, gives him a copy of The Horizontal Bar with an inscription.
XVI: Vincent and Lilian
Robert arrives early, engages in witty banter, and is revealed as a potential corrupting influence on Vincent.
XVII: The Evening at Rambouillet
Listens to Vincent's lecture, then asks Vincent to help arrange for Olivier to travel with him as his secretary; offers a financial opportunity.
From Bernard to Olivier
Olivier rushes to him after receiving Bernard's letter, seeking comfort or company.
From Olivier to Bernard
Accompanies Olivier in Corsica, finances the review The Vanguard, and is described as a delightful and generous companion.
VII: The Author Reviews His Characters
Dismissed as ruinous and unscrupulous, with a pernicious influence on Olivier.
I: Edouard’s Journal: Oscar Molinier
Writer and companion of Olivier; Edouard dislikes him and his influence.
V: Olivier Meets Bernard
Though not present, Passavant's influence looms large. Olivier has adopted his ideas and is committed to meeting him later, causing tension with Bernard.
VII: Olivier and Armand
Mentioned as the person Olivier has a rendezvous with, which pressures him to leave Armand.
The Argonauts’ Dinner
Makes advances on Sarah; exchanges words with Edouard; manipulates the social situation.
XI: Edouard's Journal: Pauline
Mentioned as the person from whom Olivier's belongings need to be retrieved; Edouard plans to fetch them.
XII: Edouard and Then Strouvilhou Visit Passavant
Receives Edouard and later Strouvilhou; pretends to be glad Olivier is leaving, but is inwardly furious and scheming.
XIII: Edouard’s Journal: Douviers’ Profitendieu
Mentioned; Edouard brought back Olivier’s things from Passavant’s, and Passavant’s new arrangements will necessitate recasting the first number of the review.
XVII: Armand and Olivier
Mentioned as Armand's employer and the editor of the new review; his encounter with Cob-Lafleur is recounted.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Robert de Passavant unlock in the free preview.

See Robert de Passavant in Vincent and the Comte de Passavant

See Robert de Passavant in Part I: Paris