The Elusive Pimpernel · Character

Désirée Candeille

A French actress with a talent for intrigue and a talent for trouble, hired by Chauvelin to sing her way into London's drawing rooms.

supporting

Also known as Candeille, Mademoiselle Candeille, Demoiselle Candeille, Citizeness Candeille

First appearance: iii ex ambassador chauvelin

As a supporting figure in The Elusive Pimpernel, Désirée Candeille is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The French actress and ex-colleague of Marguerite, she claims to be raising money for the poor of Paris and seeks Marguerite's patronage.

In the storyFor the Poor of ParisOpen this moment free

Désirée Candeille has worn out her welcome in both Paris and London, and Chauvelin's offer arrives just as the authorities order her out of England. She takes his money and his diamonds and slips into Richmond society as a celebrated singer, playing a part she finds deliciously suited to her gifts. Her vanity and her appetite for revenge make her a dangerous tool, and the reader watches her performance with the uneasy sense that she may not stay a tool for long.

See Désirée Candeille in For the Poor of Paris Book page

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Character Web

15 connections

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

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Other

Character groups

Revolutionary antagonists and targets
Clergy and royalist figures
Minor French and English characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Marguerite's u…

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In the story

Désirée Candeille appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

For the Poor of Paris
The French actress and ex-colleague of Marguerite, she claims to be raising money for the poor of Paris and seeks Marguerite's patronage.
VII: Premonition
Present as a chaperone, appears distressed and puzzled, suspected by Marguerite of being in league with Chauvelin.
The Invitation
The young actress soliciting patronage, whom Marguerite introduces to the Prince; her role is suspected to be part of Chauvelin's scheme.
IX: Demoiselle Candeille
Protagonist of the chapter; a French actress of humble birth who rose to stardom. She is in London, facing expulsion under the Aliens Bill, and is recruited by Chauvelin to perform a role in his plot. She receives a diamond necklace once owned by the Duchesse de Marny.
Lady Blakeney's Rout
Arrives with Chauvelin, beautifully dressed with a diamond necklace, and curtsies elaborately to Marguerite.
The Challenge
Insults Juliette, wears the stolen jewels, and demands satisfaction.
XIII: Reflections
Leaves Blakeney Manor with Chauvelin, having played her part in the evening's scheme with sangfroid and skill.
XIV: The Ruling Passion
Approaches Marguerite in the garden, offering her maid's passport and expressing a desire to help, though Marguerite remains suspicious.
The Passport
Provided the passport that Marguerite uses for her disguise; her motives are unclear but Marguerite is grateful.
Boulogne
Mentioned as having passed through Boulogne with her maid Céline Dumont, exposing Marguerite's false passport; her supposed remorse was part of Chauvelin's plot.
XXI: Suspense
Mentioned as the woman who aided Chauvelin in setting the trap for Marguerite.
XXVI: The Terms of the Bargain
Mentioned by Chauvelin as the actress chosen to impersonate the Goddess of Reason at the national fête in Boulogne, due to her recent services to the Republic.
The Decision
Mentioned by Sir Percy in his banter about the national fête and the amnesty.
XXX: The Procession
Serves as the Goddess of Reason in the procession, reflecting on her role in bringing the Scarlet Pimpernel to France and feeling apprehension amidst the revelry.

Chapter companion notes

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See Désirée Candeille in iii ex ambassador chauvelin

See Désirée Candeille in For the Poor of Paris