# Abbé de Frilair — The Red and the Black character guide

> Abbé de Frilair in The Red and the Black by Stendhal.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** de Frilair, M. de Frilair, Frilair, M. the abbé de Frilair

**First appearance:** 0029-chapter-xxix-the-first-promotion

## Who they are

The vicar-general of Besançon, a suave ecclesiastical operator who trades favors, collects secrets, and treats souls as pieces on a chessboard.

## In the story

### [A Turret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxvii-a-turret)

The powerful grand vicar considers Julien's case, seeing potential to use it for his own political ends, including intimidating Madame de Rênal and reconciling with the Marquis de la Mole.

### [Chapter LXVIII. A Powerful Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxviii-a-powerful-man)

The all-powerful leader of the congregation in Besançon, who meets with Mathilde and sees a potential political advantage in helping her.

### [The Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxix-the-intrigue)

Mentioned as the recipient of the bishop's letter that Mathilde hopes to obtain through Madame de Fervaques.

### [Chapter LXX. Tranquility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxx-tranquility)

Confident in his ability to influence the jury, seeing Julien's case as an opportunity to demonstrate his power.

### [Chapter LXXI. The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxi-the-trial)

Promises Mathilde to influence the jury, revealing his political machinations.

### [CHAPTER LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxii-1)

Mentioned as having betrayed Mathilde, and she was unable to see him before visiting hours.

### [CHAPTER LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxv)

Uses his influence to allow Madame de Rênal to see Julien twice a day, and tries to convince Mathilde that Julien is unworthy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/abbe_de_frilair
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters