The Monster · Character

Barouffski

A count who rolls a burning woman in tapestry to save her, then calls daily until Violet suspects he set the fire himself.

major

Also known as Monsieur Barouffski, this Barouffski, le Comte Barouffski, Ragingly Barouffski, the latter Barouffski, Divorce Barouffski, The champagne Barouffski

First appearance: i

As a major figure in The Monster, Barouffski is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Leilah's current husband, not present at the dinner but expected to join later.

In the storyIIOpen this moment free

See Barouffski in II Book page

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With Leilah Verplank (family): Barouffski is likely a relative (possibly father or uncle) of Count Kasimierz, connected to Leilah through family ties. With Count Kasimiérz Barouffski (family): Barouffski is a relative (likely father or uncle) of the Count, with a familial bond. With Count Kasimiérz Barouffski (family): Barouffski is a relative (likely father or uncle) of the Count, with a familial bond.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Barouffski sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Barouffski in i

Character Web

23 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Romantic Entanglements & Scandals
Protagonist

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Leilah’s psychological peak occurs when her habitual compulsion to fulfill plans despite physical illness is p…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Leilah Verplank
family · ambivalent
Barouffski is likely a relative (possibly father or uncle) of Count Kasimierz, connected… How this plays out →
Count Kasimiérz Barouffski
family · positive
Count Kasimiérz Barouffski
family · positive
Leilah Verplank
family · ambivalent
Barouffski is likely a relative (possibly father or uncle) of Count Kasimierz, connected… How this plays out →

Leilah Verplank
Barouffski is likely a relative (possibly father or uncle) of Count Kasimierz, connected to Leilah through family ties.
Count Kasimiérz Barouffski
Barouffski is a relative (likely father or uncle) of the Count, with a familial bond.
Count Kasimiérz Barouffski
Barouffski is a relative (likely father or uncle) of the Count, with a familial bond.
Leilah Verplank
Barouffski is likely a relative (possibly father or uncle) of Count Kasimierz, connected to Leilah through family ties.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Barouffski in i

In the story

Barouffski appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Leilah's current husband, not present at the dinner but expected to join later.
III
Hates Verplank without having met him; saves Leilah from a fire at a dinner party and begins courting her.
VI
Revealed as a histrionic, menacing figure who wears a mask of gallantry but conceals a metaphorical knife; Leilah dreads him.
VII
Leilah considers using him as a channel to reveal the truth to Verplank; she married him as a barricade from the past.
VIII
Returns home and taunts Leilah with a warning about indiscretions and a threat of taking her to Poland.
IX
Duels Verplank, lunges early, and later suspiciously questions Leilah about 'five,' ordering a footman to be ready.
Chapter X
Sets dogs on Verplank, strikes Leilah, and demands all her money.
XI
Surprised by Leilah's invitation to the Opéra; suspicious of her motives.
XII
Grows increasingly agitated by Leilah's behavior, throws wine at d'Arcy, and feels a sense of foreboding.
XIII
Reported dead, shot by D'Arcy in the garden; his death frees Leilah.

Chapter companion notes

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See Barouffski in i

See Barouffski in II