The Mystery of the Yellow Room · Character

Monsieur Robert Darzac

The fiancé who is found pale and trembling at the scene, whose gloved hands and cryptic past make him the most suspicious man in the case.

major

Also known as Robert Darzac, Monsieur Darzac, Darzac

First appearance: the mystery of the yellow room

As a major figure in The Mystery of the Yellow Room, Monsieur Robert Darzac is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as being at the Château du Glandier; Rouletabille wants to speak with him, suggesting he may have key information.

In the storyIn Which Joseph Rouletabille Appears for the First TimeOpen this moment free

Darzac is a Sorbonne professor on the verge of marrying Mademoiselle Stangerson when the attack occurs, and his behaviour in the aftermath is anything but reassuring. He is frightfully pale, his face lined with suffering, and he reacts with terror when Rouletabille whispers a phrase about a presbytery and a garden — a phrase that clearly means something to him. When Rouletabille demands to see his ungloved hands, Darzac's quiet compliance and subsequent friendship with his accuser only deepen the ambiguity. He is the novel's most tantalising suspect: a man who loves the victim, knows more than he admits, and may be either the villain or the key to everything.

See Monsieur Robert Darzac in In Which Joseph Rouletabille Appears for the First Time Book page

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Character Web

5 connections

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Primary suspects and victims
Protagonist
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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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

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In the story

Monsieur Robert Darzac appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

In Which Joseph Rouletabille Appears for the First Time
Mentioned as being at the Château du Glandier; Rouletabille wants to speak with him, suggesting he may have key information.
In the Bosom of Wild Nature
Referred to as the 'eternal fiancé' who persisted in his tender attention to Mathilde for years; his marriage to her was announced shortly before the attack.
In Which Joseph Rouletabille Makes a Remark to Monsieur Robert Darzac Which Produces Its Little Effect
Visibly distressed and pale; initially impatient but is deeply affected by Rouletabille's cryptic remark, agreeing to let him inside.
In the Heart of the Oak Grove
Leads the group to the château, initially offended by Rouletabille's suspicion but later cooperates. Provides key information about the mutton-bone and the crime.
In Which Rouletabille Sets Out on an Expedition Under the Bed
Present during the examination, informs Rouletabille that Larsan claims to have solved the case and will explain the murderer's escape that evening.
VIII: The Examining Magistrate Questions Mademoiselle Stangerson
Relays the full interrogation to Rouletabille from memory, showing unusual docility.
IX: Reporter and Detective
Shows visible distress when his footprints match the murderer's; vehemently declares he would kill the murderer himself.
In Which Frédéric Larsan Explains How the Murderer Was Able to Get Out of The Yellow Room
Present in the laboratory during the examination.
XII: Frédéric Larsan’s Cane
Seen kneeling by Mademoiselle Stangerson's bedside; later implicated by the cane purchase, which provides a possible alibi.
XIII: “The Presbytery Has Lost Nothing of Its Charm, nor the Garden Its Brightness”
Pleads with Rouletabille to keep the Élysée phrase secret; is under suspicion due to footprints and the cane, but Rouletabille believes he is innocent.
I Expect the Assassin This Evening
Expected to be arrested soon; his absences coincide with the murderer's visits, increasing suspicion against him.
The Inexplicable Gallery
Mentioned as knowing the murderer and being suspected by Larsan; Rouletabille believes he is innocent.
XIX: Rouletabille Invites Me to Breakfast at the Donjon Inn
Revealed to know the murderer's name, likely from Mademoiselle Stangerson, and has asked Rouletabille to watch over her room.
On the Watch
Is mentioned as having departed and having told Rouletabille something that confirms the night's plan; his dread of the man is noted.
Rouletabille Knows the Two Halves of the Murderer
Arrested after being seen at Epinay-sur-Orge; refuses to explain his actions and is taken away.
XXV: Rouletabille Goes on a Journey
Referenced as being in prison, which Rouletabille says prevents further attempts.
XXVI: In Which Joseph Rouletabille Is Awaited with Impatience
The accused, standing in the prisoner's dock, calm and handsome, maintains his innocence but refuses to explain his silence.
XXVII: In Which Joseph Rouletabille Appears in All His Glory
Shows agitation during Rouletabille's testimony; Rouletabille asserts his innocence.
XXVIII: In Which It Is Proved That One Does Not Always Think of Everything
Released on bail after the trial adjournment; cleared of suspicion.
XXIX: The Mystery of Mademoiselle Stangerson
Learns of Mademoiselle Stangerson's past, swears to silence Ballmeyer, and is outwitted by Larsan's machinations.

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See Monsieur Robert Darzac in the mystery of the yellow room

See Monsieur Robert Darzac in In Which Joseph Rouletabille Appears for the First Time