The Lerouge Case · Character

M. Daburon

A grave Parisian magistrate whose austere courtroom mask conceals a heart still raw from a ruinous love affair with the Commarin name.

major

Also known as Daburon, simple M. Daburon, VII M. Daburon, But M. Daburon, XVI M. Daburon

First appearance: the lerouge case

As a major figure in The Lerouge Case, M. Daburon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The investigating magistrate arrives at the crime scene, takes charge of the inquiry, and interviews witnesses.

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Daburon belongs to an old Poitou family and moves easily among aristocratic circles, yet his cold, reserved manner hides an almost feminine sensitivity and a wound two years unhealed. Assigned to investigate the Lerouge murder, he finds the case dragging him back toward Albert de Commarin and the private catastrophe that spoiled his youth. His struggle to stay impartial while his sympathies and memories pull him toward the accused gives the middle of the novel its quiet, painful tension.

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See M. Daburon in the lerouge case

Character Web

23 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Core investigation and family
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt is the dramatic climax because it reveals the emotional and psychological peak of resolution: the…

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Relationships

Noel Gerdy
rivalry · negative
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle… How this plays out →
M. Tabaret
professional · positive
M. Tabaret
professional · positive
Noel Gerdy
rivalry · negative
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle… How this plays out →
Noel Gerdy
rivalry · negative
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle… How this plays out →

Noel Gerdy
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.
M. Tabaret
Daburon and Tabaret work together as magistrate and detective, collaborating on the Lerouge case.
M. Tabaret
Daburon and Tabaret work together as magistrate and detective, collaborating on the Lerouge case.
Noel Gerdy
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.
Noel Gerdy
Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.

Relationship notes

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See M. Daburon in the lerouge case

In the story

M. Daburon appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
The investigating magistrate arrives at the crime scene, takes charge of the inquiry, and interviews witnesses. He is described as cold, sympathetic, and methodical, with a reputation for solving complex cases.
II
The investigating magistrate who oversees the investigation, expresses confidence in Tabaret's deductions, and plans to write to the minister of marine to trace the victim's family.
VI
The magistrate who is deeply in love with Claire, but his timidity and fear of rejection prevent him from proposing. He finally confesses his love and is rejected.
VII
Hesitant to act on presumptions, tormented by his love for Claire and his near-attempt to murder Albert.
Chapter X
The magistrate listens intently to Noel's testimony, expresses admiration for his noble sentiments, and informs him of Albert's impending arrest.
XI
Listens to the count's confession and orchestrates the meeting between Noel and the count.
XII
The investigating magistrate who interrogates Albert and is initially convinced of his guilt, but later shows uncertainty.
XIV
Investigating magistrate; refuses Tabaret's request to see Albert and orders detectives to search for witnesses.
XV
Torn between his love for Claire and his judicial duty, he struggles with doubt but refuses to release Albert immediately.
XVII
Interrogates Lerouge, reflects on his own errors in judgment, and decides to summon the Count de Commarin.
XVIII
Magistrate informed by Tabaret of Noel's guilt; had already arranged for Albert's release.
XX
Resigned and retired to his father's home in Poitou, seeking rest and forgetfulness.

Chapter companion notes

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See M. Daburon in the lerouge case

See M. Daburon in I