# Julien Sorel — The Red and the Black character guide > Julien Sorel in The Red and the Black by Stendhal. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Julien, M. Julien, Monsieur Julien, little Sorel, M. de la Vernaye, M. de Sorel **First appearance:** 0001-chapter-i-a-small-town ## Snapshot A carpenter's son with a memory like a trap and a heart full of Napoleon, clawing his way from sawmill to salon one calculated conquest at a time. ## Who they are Julien enters the world of Verrières as tutor to the mayor's children, carrying the Memorial of St. Helena in his pocket and a ferocious hatred of the rich in his chest. His brilliance is real, but so is his hypocrisy: he recites Latin he has memorized in secret and dreams of a glory the Restoration will never grant a peasant. Every tenderness he feels is immediately audited for weakness, which makes his first love affair as much a campaign as a seduction. ## Relationships ### [Madame de Rênal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/madame_de_renal) _romantic_ Passionate, secretive love affair that oscillates between intense devotion and guilt, ultimately ending in tragedy. ### [Mathilde de la Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/mathilde_de_la_mole) _romantic_ A volatile, pride-driven romance marked by manipulation, obsession, and mutual fascination with social status. ### [Marquis de la Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/marquis_de_la_mole) _professional_ Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers. ### [Abbé Pirard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/abbe_pirard) _professional_ Mentor and protector, guiding Julien's ecclesiastical career while offering stern moral advice. ### [Amanda Binet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/amanda_binet) _romantic_ A brief flirtation and mutual attraction, representing Julien's early romantic adventures. ### [Comte Norbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/comte_norbert) _social_ A noble acquaintance who treats Julien with condescension but also curiosity, reflecting class tensions. ### [M. de Croisenois](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/m_de_croisenois) _rivalry_ Competitors for Mathilde's hand, with Croisenois representing the aristocratic establishment Julien despises. ### [Madame de Rênal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/madame_de_renal) _romantic_ Passionate, secretive love affair that oscillates between intense devotion and guilt, ultimately ending in tragedy. ### [Madame de Rênal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/madame_de_renal) _romantic_ Passionate, secretive love affair that oscillates between intense devotion and guilt, ultimately ending in tragedy. ### [Mathilde de la Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/mathilde_de_la_mole) _romantic_ A volatile, pride-driven romance marked by manipulation, obsession, and mutual fascination with social status. ### [Marquis de la Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/marquis_de_la_mole) _professional_ Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers. ### [Mathilde de la Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/mathilde_de_la_mole) _romantic_ A volatile, pride-driven romance marked by manipulation, obsession, and mutual fascination with social status. ## In the story ### [Chapter IV. A Father And A Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-iv-a-father-and-a-son) Reading on the rafters, punished by his father; described as puny, passionate, and resentful. ### [Chapter V. A Negotiation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-v-a-negotiation) Julien is the central figure, a young man of eighteen with a fiery soul and a prodigious memory. He is determined to make his fortune and escape Verrières, even if it means adopting a hypocritical role as a priest. He is deeply influenced by Napoleon's example and Rousseau's Confessions. ### [Chapter VI. Ennui](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-vi-ennui) Demonstrates his prodigious memory and ambition, refuses the engagement contract, and boldly kisses Madame de Rênal's hand. ### [Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-vii-the-elective-affinities) Serves as tutor, feeling hate and abhorrence for the society he's entered. He refuses Madame de Rênal's offer of money, proud and sensitive to any slight. He is beaten by his brothers, and his thoughts are elsewhere, not loving the children he teaches. ### [Chapter VIII. Little Episodes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-viii-little-episodes) Refuses Elisa's proposal, impresses Madame de Rênal with his words and gestures, and initiates a touch of hands in the garden. ### [Chapter IX. An Evening In The Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-ix-an-evening-in-the-country) Driven by ambition and a sense of duty to himself, he forces himself to take Madame de Rênal's hand. His pride and resentment towards the wealthy dominate his actions, leading to contemptuous behavior. ### [Chapter X. A Great Heart And A Small Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-x-a-great-heart-and-a-small-fortune) Confronts M. de Rênal, secures a raise, and retreats to the forest to reflect on his victory and ambitions. ### [Chapter XI. An Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xi-an-evening) Driven by ambition and resentment, he deliberately seeks to possess Madame de Rênal's hand as a victory over M. de Rênal, experiencing a rare moment of pleasure. ### [A Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xii-a-journey) Torn between his desire for Madame de Rênal and his ambition; he leaves for the mountains, dreams of Paris, and rejects Fouqué's offer. ### [Chapter XIII. The Open Work Stockings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xiii-the-open-work-stockings) Returns from visiting Fouqué, feeling changed and more confident. He notices Madame de Rênal's affection but is preoccupied with his own pride and ambition, deciding to pursue her as a duty. ### [Chapter XIV. The English Scissors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xiv-the-english-scissors) Devises a plan of seduction, but his clumsy actions reveal his inexperience and inner conflict. ### [Chapter XV. The Cock’S Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xv-the-cock-s-song) Feels sulky and humiliated after his proposition is rejected. He forces himself to go to Madame de Rênal's room, where his natural charm wins her over, but he is unable to savor his victory, obsessing over his 'duty' to play a role. ### [The Day After](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xvi-the-day-after) Feels a sense of duty rather than love; is calculating and cold, considering leaving to avoid complications. ### [Chapter XVII. The First Deputy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xvii-the-first-deputy) Gains insight into local politics and social dynamics through Madame de Rênal; struggles with his ambitions and the fear of being seen as a servant. ### [Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xviii-a-king-at-verri-res) Serves as sub-deacon to the abbé Chélan, carries the bishop's mitre, and is awed by the bishop's youth and the ceremony. ### [Chapter XIX. Thinking Produces Suffering](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xix-thinking-produces-suffering) Deeply in love with Madame de Rênal, but troubled by her guilt and his own doubts. He considers leaving to protect her but fears she will confess everything. ### [Chapter XX. Anonymous Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xx-anonymous-letters) Warns Madame de Rênal of suspicion and locks himself in his room; receives her frantic letter and is touched by her spelling mistakes. ### [Chapter XXI. Dialogue With A Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxi-dialogue-with-a-master) Observes Madame de Rênal's courage and calmness, feeling a new admiration for her. He is the subject of the plot to send him away. ### [Chapter XXII. Manners Of Procedure In 1830](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxii-manners-of-procedure-in-1830) Returns to Verrières, builds a bookcase for Curé Chélan, handles the sub-prefect's offer with Jesuitical tact, and enjoys a tender moment with Madame de Rênal and her children. ### [Sorrows Of An Official](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxiii-sorrows-of-an-official) Refuses Valenod's offer, accepts a loan from M. de Rênal, leaves Verrières, and returns secretly for a final meeting with Madame de Rênal. ### [A Capital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxiv-a-capital) Arrives in Besançon, feels out of place, and is captivated by Amanda Binet. ### [Chapter XXV. The Seminary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxv-the-seminary) Arrives at the seminary, overwhelmed and fainting; receives a cell and begins his new life. ### [Chapter XXVI. The World, Or What The Rich Lack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxvi-the-world-or-what-the-rich-lack) Julien navigates the seminary's social dynamics, feeling isolated and striving to perfect his hypocrisy. ### [Chapter XXVII. First Experience Of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxvii-first-experience-of-life) Experiences deep disgust and discouragement in the seminary, feeling isolated and considering leaving. His intelligence and cleanliness make him a target for ridicule and hatred. ### [Chapter XXVIII. A Procession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxviii-a-procession) Assigned to help decorate the cathedral; overwhelmed by the ceremony and the encounter with Madame de Rênal. ### [Chapter XXIX. The First Promotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxix-the-first-promotion) Receives his first promotion as tutor, experiences a mix of joy and reflection, and is later victimized by an examiner's trick. ### [Chapter XXX. An Ambitious Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxx-an-ambitious-man) Returns to Verrières, uses emotional manipulation to rekindle Madame de Rênal's love, and displays cold ambition. ### [Chapter XXXI. The Pleasures Of The Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxi-the-pleasures-of-the-country) Leaves for Paris with Abbé Pirard, receives advice, and arrives at the Hôtel de la Mole. ### [Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxii-entry-into-society) Adapts to Parisian society, impresses with Latin knowledge, and receives new wardrobe and library access. ### [The First Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiii-the-first-steps) Begins his duties as secretary, endures a humiliating fall from a horse but impresses with his simplicity, and feels isolated in the de la Mole household. ### [Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxiv-the-h-tel-de-la-mole) Feels alienated and bored in the aristocratic salon, observes the hypocrisy and servility of the guests, and is uncomfortable with the honor of dining with the marquis. ### [Chapter XXXV. Sensibility And A Great Pious Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxv-sensibility-and-a-great-pious-lady) Now the marquis's trusted secretary, managing estates and correspondence; feels isolated and bored in Parisian high society. ### [Chapter XXXVI. Pronunciation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvi-pronunciation) Engages in a duel with the Chevalier de Beauvoisis, is wounded, and begins to adopt Parisian social graces. ### [Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxvii-an-attack-of-gout) Serves as the Marquis's secretary, demonstrating his intelligence and strength of character. He carefully manages the Marquis's affairs and navigates the social tests presented to him, including the offer of a blue suit and a gift of money. ### [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) Now a dandy, he maintains coldness toward Mathilde and attends the ball at Hôtel de Retz, observing aristocratic society with disdain. ### [Chapter XXXIX. The Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xxxix-the-ball) Engages in philosophical discussions with Altamira, reflects on revolution and morality, and inadvertently captivates Mathilde with his intensity. ### [Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xl-queen-marguerite) Engages in long conversations with Mathilde, confesses his thoughts about poverty, and becomes preoccupied with the idea that she might love him. ### [Chapter XLI. A Young Girl’s Dominion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xli-a-young-girl-s-dominion) Observes Mathilde's power and reflects on the nature of aristocratic politeness. ### [Chapter XLII. Is He A Danton?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlii-is-he-a-danton) Baffled by Mathilde's lingering looks and the increased hostility from the young nobles, he reflects on the difference between her gaze and that of Madame de Rênal. ### [Chapter XLIII. A Plot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xliii-a-plot) Suspicious of Mathilde's motives, he oscillates between belief in a plot against him and his own growing attraction. He plans a journey to Languedoc and contemplates his social standing. ### [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) Receives Mathilde's letters with suspicion and amusement, but is intrigued by her boldness and agrees to the midnight rendezvous. ### [Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlv-is-it-a-plot) Julien is the protagonist, agonizing over whether Mathilde's invitation is a plot against him. He contemplates leaving, but ultimately decides to go through with the plan to avoid being seen as a coward. ### [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) Feels gratified ambition rather than tenderness; executes the risky climb with military precision; later reflects on the artificiality of the encounter. ### [Chapter XLVII. An Old Sword](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlvii-an-old-sword) Torn between love and pride, he nearly kills Mathilde in a fit of jealousy, then is overwhelmed by his own emotions. ### [Chapter XLVIII. Cruel Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlviii-cruel-moments) Plunged into violent despair and jealousy, he listens to Mathilde's confessions, suffers intensely, and makes a fatal declaration that leads to her contempt. ### [Chapter XLIX. The Opera Bouffe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-xlix-the-opera-bouffe) Experiences intense happiness and despair; driven by love and honor, he risks climbing the ladder to Mathilde's window. ### [Chapter L. The Japanese Vase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-l-the-japanese-vase) Tortured by his love for Mathilde, humiliated in the salon, and uses the broken vase to declare his love is over, yet his passion only grows. ### [Chapter LI. The Secret Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-li-the-secret-note) Julien is given a secret mission by the Marquis, demonstrating his trust and Julien's growing importance. He memorizes the Quotidienne and attends a secret meeting, feeling out of place and embarrassed. ### [Chapter LII. The Discussion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lii-the-discussion) Present at the secret meeting, acting as secretary and observer, feeling mixed up in a conspiracy. ### [Chapter LIII. The Clergy, The Forests, Liberty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liii-the-clergy-the-forests-liberty) Present at the secret meeting, tasked with delivering a secret note, and later attempts to escape from a suspicious postmaster. ### [Chapter LIV. Strasbourg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-liv-strasbourg) In deep despair over Mathilde, seeking distraction and advice from Prince Korasoff. ### [Chapter LV. The Ministry Of Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lv-the-ministry-of-virtue) Returns to Paris and follows Korasoff's advice to court Madame de Fervaques, feigning indifference to Mathilde. He is emotionally strained and struggles to maintain his composure. ### [Chapter LVI. Moral Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lvi-moral-love) Executes Korasoff's plan to write love letters to Madame de Fervaques, finding dark amusement in the role-playing. He strategically positions himself to observe Mathilde while feigning indifference. ### [Chapter LVII. The Finest Places In The Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lvii-the-finest-places-in-the-church) Deeply unhappy, copying letters for Madame de Fervaques, hoping to impress Mathilde, and feeling indifferent to his own social progress. ### [Chapter LVIII. Manon Lescaut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lviii-manon-lescaut) Executes the Russian plan with Madame de Fervaques, but suffers from despair and jealousy over Mathilde's impending marriage. ### [Chapter LIX. Ennui](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lix-ennui) Executes Korasoff's tactics with Madame de Fervaques, copying Russian letters; remains cold and calculating during Mathilde's emotional confrontation. ### [Chapter LX. A Box At The Bouffes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lx-a-box-at-the-bouffes) Maintains a calculated coldness towards Mathilde, following Korasoff's advice, while internally struggling with his own love for her. ### [Chapter LXI. Frighten Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxi-frighten-her) Struggles to maintain emotional control, follows Korasoff's advice to frighten Mathilde, and conceals his love to secure her devotion. ### [Chapter LXII. The Tiger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxii-the-tiger) Struggles to maintain his cold demeanor towards Mathilde, but is deeply moved by her devotion and pregnancy. He fears separation from her and the marquis's wrath. ### [Chapter LXIII. The Hell Of Weakness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiii-the-hell-of-weakness) Confronts the Marquis's fury with gratitude and composure, offers a suicide note, seeks counsel from Abbé Pirard, and obeys Mathilde's orders despite feeling wounded by aristocratic attitudes. ### [Chapter LXIV. A Man Of Intellect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxiv-a-man-of-intellect) Receives a commission as lieutenant of Hussars and a fortune, which fuels his ambition and thoughts about his son's future. ### [A Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxv-a-storm) Now a lieutenant and M. de la Vernaye, he is intoxicated with ambition but is shattered by Mathilde's letter and Madame de Rênal's betrayal, leading him to attempt murder. ### [Chapter LXVI. Sad Details](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxvi-sad-details) Imprisoned and awaiting trial, he learns Madame de Rênal survived, leading to repentance and a calm acceptance of his impending death. ### [A Turret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxvii-a-turret) Imprisoned and awaiting trial, Julien oscillates between despair and resolve, contemplating suicide and reflecting on his guilt and the loyalty of his friends. ### [Chapter LXVIII. A Powerful Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxviii-a-powerful-man) Imprisoned, he receives Mathilde and discusses his plans for her future with cold reason, while also being moved by her devotion. ### [The Intrigue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxix-the-intrigue) In prison, he feels remorse for his crime and realizes his love for Madame de Rênal. He is tired of Mathilde's heroism and advises her to marry M. de Croisenois. ### [Chapter LXX. Tranquility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxx-tranquility) In a state of philosophical calm, reflecting on his past and facing his trial with a sense of detachment. ### [Chapter LXXI. The Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxi-the-trial) The accused, calm and philosophical, delivers a defiant speech to the jury. ### [CHAPTER LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxii-1) In the condemned cell, he contemplates his death, his love for Madame de Rênal, and his decision not to appeal. ### [CHAPTER LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxiii) In prison, tormented by the intrusive priest and overwhelmed by Madame de Rênal's visit, he agrees to appeal his sentence. ### [CHAPTER LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxiv) Imprisoned and awaiting execution, Julien is emotionally vulnerable, feeling shame and weakness in front of his father. He reflects on his life, hypocrisy, and his love for Madame de Rênal, finding some consolation in the idea that his weakness will not be publicly known. ### [CHAPTER LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/chapters/chapter-lxxv) Awaiting execution, he lives on love with Madame de Rênal, reflects on his past ambition, and makes final arrangements for his death. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_and_the_black_br/characters/julien_sorel - 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