# Ballmeyer — The Mystery of the Yellow Room character guide

> Ballmeyer in The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the notorious Ballmeyer, Jean Roussel

**First appearance:** 0025-xxiv-rouletabille-knows-the-two-halves-of-the-murderer

## Snapshot

The notorious criminal who married Mathilde Stangerson under the false name Jean Roussel, and whose return shatters her hard-won peace.

## Who they are

Ballmeyer entered Mathilde Stangerson's life as Jean Roussel, a charming suitor she married in Louisville before discovering his true identity and his criminal reputation. Believed dead, he resurfaces to claim her, threatening her engagement to Robert Darzac and demanding clandestine meetings she cannot safely refuse. His persecution drives the tragedy at the Yellow Room and the strange incidents in the gallery, making him the unseen hand behind the mystery's most disturbing turns.

## Relationships

### [Joseph Rouletabille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/characters/joseph_rouletabille)

_rivalry_

Ballmeyer is a cunning antagonist who directly opposes Rouletabille's investigation.

### [Mademoiselle Stangerson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/characters/mademoiselle_stangerson)

_psychological_

Ballmeyer has a sinister, manipulative hold over Mademoiselle Stangerson, rooted in past secrets.

### [Joseph Rouletabille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/characters/joseph_rouletabille)

_rivalry_

Ballmeyer is a cunning antagonist who directly opposes Rouletabille's investigation.

## In the story

### [XXIX: The Mystery of Mademoiselle Stangerson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/chapters/xxix-the-mystery-of-mademoiselle-stangerson)

Revealed as Jean Roussel, Mademoiselle Stangerson's secret husband, a swindler and fugitive who later becomes Larsan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/characters/ballmeyer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_the_yellow_room_se/characters