Napoleon

Crowds

The crowds are drawn to Napoleon as a charismatic leader and object of mass adulation.

Augereau

Augereau and Napoleon are military rivals with conflicting ambitions and egos.

The Hero

Napoleon is often seen as a real-world embodiment of The Hero archetype, merging myth with history.

Unknown Narrator

Napoleon is a central subject of the narrator's study of leadership and mass manipulation.

Barras

Barras was a political patron who helped advance Napoleon's early career, later becoming a rival.

The Hero

Napoleon is often seen as a real-world embodiment of The Hero archetype, merging myth with history.

Crowds

The crowds are drawn to Napoleon as a charismatic leader and object of mass adulation.

The Crowd

Referenced as an example of a leader who understood and manipulated crowd psychology.

Book I: The Mind of Crowds

Referenced as an example of a leader who understood and manipulated crowd psychology.

General Characteristics of Crowds—Psychological Law of Their Mental Unity

Cited as finding docile servants among former members of the French Convention.

The Intolerance, Dictatorialness and Conservatism of Crowds

Bonaparte is mentioned as the figure whom the Jacobins acclaimed when he suppressed liberty and enforced strong authority.

The Imagination of Crowds

Cited as a master of impressing the crowd's imagination, noting his adaptation to religious contexts to gain power.

A Religious Shape Assumed by All the Convictions of Crowds

Cited as a god-like figure for crowds, inspiring fervent worship and sacrifice for fifteen years.

II: The Immediate Factors of the Opinions of Crowds

Referenced implicitly in the discussion of dictators and costly experiences that demonstrate the dangers of acclaiming authoritarian leaders.

Reason

Cited as an example of an improbable historical figure—an obscure lieutenant of artillery who rose to reign over many peoples and kings.

The Leaders of Crowds and Their Means of Persuasion

Mentioned as possessing high personal prestige, both at the zenith of his glory and before becoming illustrious.

The Leaders of Crowds

Referenced indirectly through the mention of Ney and Murat as leaders of the First Empire.

The Means of Action of the Leaders: Affirmation, Repetition, Contagion

Cited for his remark that repetition is the only important figure in rhetoric.

Prestige

Cited as a prime example of personal prestige; his early encounter with Augereau and his return from Elba illustrate his magnetic fascination over others.

IV: Limitations of the Variability of the Beliefs and Opinions of Crowds

Mentioned as an example of how prominent figures of the Convention later became his humble servants, illustrating the rapid shifts in crowd opinion.

Fixed Beliefs

Listed as a tyrant whose influence is overshadowed by the lasting despotism of religious founders.

The Changeable Opinions of Crowds

Mentioned as an example of a leader whom former revolutionaries later served humbly.

Parliamentary Assemblies

Mentioned in the context of the power of leaders; the text notes that Napoleon understood the psychology of crowds and the importance of prestige.

Endnotes

Depicted as a great despot who treats great personages with contempt, using insults and familiar gestures to assert his prestige.