# Comte Norbert — The Red and the Black character guide

> Comte Norbert in The Red and the Black by Stendhal.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the young count Norbert, count Norbert, Count Norbert, Norbert, The comte Norbert

**First appearance:** 0034-chapter-xxxiv-the-h-tel-de-la-mole

## Who they are

The marquis's polished young heir, who befriends Julien in Paris yet counts the cost of every orange tree at the ball.

## Relationships

### [Julien Sorel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/julien_sorel)

_social_

A noble acquaintance who treats Julien with condescension but also curiosity, reflecting class tensions.

### [Julien Sorel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/julien_sorel)

_social_

A noble acquaintance who treats Julien with condescension but also curiosity, reflecting class tensions.

### [Julien Sorel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/julien_sorel)

_social_

A noble acquaintance who treats Julien with condescension but also curiosity, reflecting class tensions.

## In the story

### [Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxii-entry-into-society)

Admired by Julien for his charm and aristocratic ease.

### [The First Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiii-the-first-steps)

Takes Julien riding, offers advice, and praises his courage to the family.

### [Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvii-an-attack-of-gout)

The Marquis's son, who only sees his father at stray moments during his illness, as they have little to say to each other.

### [Chapter XXXVIII. What Is The Decoration Which Confers Distinction?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxviii-what-is-the-decoration-which-confers-distinction)

Invites Julien to the ball at M. de Retz's, showing politeness that Julien interprets as subservience.

### [Chapter XXXIX. The Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxix-the-ball)

Present at the ball, though not prominently featured; his presence is part of the aristocratic setting.

### [Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xl-queen-marguerite)

Mentioned as Mathilde's brother; his presence seems to withdraw when Mathilde fixes her eyes on Julien.

### [Chapter XLII. Is He A Danton?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlii-is-he-a-danton)

Joins in mocking Julien's priestly demeanor and later warns that Julien's energy could lead to guillotining them in a revolution.

### [Chapter XLIII. A Plot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliii-a-plot)

Mathilde's brother, who is present in the salon and becomes a target of her witticisms.

### [Chapter XLIV. A Young Girl’s Thoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliv-a-young-girl-s-thoughts)

Mentioned as a potential accomplice in a supposed trick against Julien; his room is above Mathilde's.

### [Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlv-is-it-a-plot)

Norbert is mentioned as one of the few people who frequent the library, but he is absent, contributing to the opportunity for Mathilde's plan.

### [Chapter XLVI. One O’Clock In The Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlvi-one-o-clock-in-the-morning)

His window is still lit at one o'clock, a detail Julien notes during his reconnaissance.

### [Chapter L. The Japanese Vase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-l-the-japanese-vase)

Mathilde's brother, present in the salon, asked to stay instead of going to Suresnes.

### [Chapter LI. The Secret Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-li-the-secret-note)

Mentioned in the Marquis's thoughts as an example of noble courage but lacking the practical skills needed for such a mission.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/comte_norbert
- 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