# M. Daburon — The Lerouge Case character guide

> M. Daburon in The Lerouge Case by Émile Gaboriau.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0000-the-lerouge-case

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Noel Gerdy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/noel_gerdy)

_rivalry_

Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.

### [M. Tabaret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/m_tabaret)

_professional_

Daburon and Tabaret work together as magistrate and detective, collaborating on the Lerouge case.

### [M. Tabaret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/m_tabaret)

_professional_

Daburon and Tabaret work together as magistrate and detective, collaborating on the Lerouge case.

### [Noel Gerdy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/noel_gerdy)

_rivalry_

Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.

### [Noel Gerdy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/noel_gerdy)

_rivalry_

Daburon, as the investigating magistrate, is Noel's direct opponent in the legal battle over the murder and inheritance.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/vii)

Hesitant to act on presumptions, tormented by his love for Claire and his near-attempt to murder Albert.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/x)

The magistrate listens intently to Noel's testimony, expresses admiration for his noble sentiments, and informs him of Albert's impending arrest.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xi)

Listens to the count's confession and orchestrates the meeting between Noel and the count.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xii)

The investigating magistrate who interrogates Albert and is initially convinced of his guilt, but later shows uncertainty.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xiv)

Investigating magistrate; refuses Tabaret's request to see Albert and orders detectives to search for witnesses.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xv)

Torn between his love for Claire and his judicial duty, he struggles with doubt but refuses to release Albert immediately.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xvii)

Interrogates Lerouge, reflects on his own errors in judgment, and decides to summon the Count de Commarin.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xviii)

Magistrate informed by Tabaret of Noel's guilt; had already arranged for Albert's release.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xx)

Resigned and retired to his father's home in Poitou, seeking rest and forgetfulness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters/m_daburon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/characters