# Mathias de Gorne — The Eight Strokes of the Clock character guide

> Mathias de Gorne in The Eight Strokes of the Clock by Maurice Leblanc.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** M. Mathias, de Gorne, old de Gorne, Mathias, M. de Gorne

**First appearance:** 0002-i-on-the-top-of-the-tower

## Snapshot

An elderly man whose death — and the strange circumstances surrounding it — sets off the investigation that draws Rénine into the de Gorne family's secrets.

## Who they are

Old de Gorne is the still center around which the household's suspicions and resentments revolve, and his death is the event that forces everyone else into the open. The details surrounding his end — the water bottle, the locked room, the timing — refuse to add up, and the family's eagerness to call it natural only deepens the doubt. His absence shapes the early arc more than his presence ever could.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Deputy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/characters/mr_deputy)

_professional_

Mathias de Gorne and Mr. Deputy have a professional relationship, likely involving legal or official matters.

### [Mr. Deputy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/characters/mr_deputy)

_professional_

Mathias de Gorne and Mr. Deputy have a professional relationship, likely involving legal or official matters.

## In the story

### [Footprints in the Snow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/chapters/vii-footprints-in-the-snow)

Son of Baron de Gorne, found dead at the manor; his staged death plot and actual murder are central to the chapter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/characters/mathias_de_gorne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_eight_strokes_of_the_clock_se/characters