The Red and the Black · Character

M. de Rênal

The mayor of Verrières, a man who bargains for straw, chases peasant girls off his orchard path, and never suspects what is happening under his own roof.

supporting

Also known as M. Rênal, Rênal, Monsieur de Rênal

First appearance: Chapter I. A Small Town

As a supporting figure in The Red and the Black, M. de Rênal is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The mayor of Verrières, a wealthy manufacturer who owns the nail factory and has built a grand house.

In the storyChapter I. A Small TownOpen this moment free

Vain, petty, and preoccupied with his standing among the local notables, M. de Rênal hires Julien mainly to outshine a rival. He is not cruel so much as oblivious, and his obliviousness is precisely what allows the affair between his wife and his tutor to take root. When he does notice something — a look, a leaning arm — his instinct is to manage it like a property dispute, which makes him both comic and quietly menacing.

See M. de Rênal in Chapter I. A Small Town Book page

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Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Verrières and Besançon adversaries
Historical and minor figures
Julien's Parisian circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Mathilde’s pride—her defining trait—shatters here as she openly begs Julien for reassurance, weeping and admit…

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In the story

M. de Rênal appears across 26 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter I. A Small Town
The mayor of Verrières, a wealthy manufacturer who owns the nail factory and has built a grand house. He is proud, self-satisfied, and concerned with public esteem.
Chapter II. A Mayor
The mayor of Verrières, proud of his administrative achievements and sensitive to criticism, especially from Parisian visitors.
Chapter III. The Poor Fund
The Mayor of Verrières, who is displeased with the curé's actions and decides to hire Julien Sorel as a tutor for his children.
Chapter IV. A Father And A Son
Offers Julien a tutor position, worried about Valenod's competition.
Chapter V. A Negotiation
The mayor of Verrières, who hires Julien as tutor for his children. He is concerned with appearances and social standing, and his negotiation with Old Sorel is a key part of the chapter.
Chapter VI. Ennui
Proud of Julien's display, offers him a contract, and insists on proper attire and dignity.
Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities
The Mayor, who views Julien as a servant and is piqued by his refusal of a gift. He decides to give Julien a hundred francs, showing his coarse and insensitive nature.
Chapter VIII. Little Episodes
Makes coarse remarks about women, is surprised by the new path, and is largely oblivious to his wife's feelings.
Chapter IX. An Evening In The Country
Irritated by Julien's insolent behavior, he considers dismissing him but restrains himself for practical reasons. His coarse insults further provoke Julien's anger.
Chapter X. A Great Heart And A Small Fortune
Accedes to Julien's demand for a higher salary, fearing Julien might leave for a rival.
Chapter XI. An Evening
Unaware of the tension, he talks politics and complains about his commercial rivals, providing the backdrop for Julien's bold move.
A Journey
Grants Julien leave but suspects he has other offers; he dismisses his wife's distress as typical female behavior.
Chapter XIV. The English Scissors
Julien tells him he is going to Verrières to see the curé, unaware of the real reason.
Chapter XV. The Cock’S Song
Julien listens at his door and hears him snoring, which removes any excuse for not going to Madame de Rênal's room.
The Day After
Suspicious of the change in his wife's behavior, adding to the tension.
Chapter XVII. The First Deputy
Mentioned as the current mayor whose position is tied to the political maneuvering; his valet is Julien's enemy.
Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières
Organizes the guard of honour and the religious ceremony, and negotiates with the abbé Maslon to include Chélan.
Chapter XIX. Thinking Produces Suffering
Dismisses his wife's confession as 'romantic nonsense' and fails to grasp the situation, showing his lack of imagination and emotional blindness.
Chapter XX. Anonymous Letters
Suspected of having received an anonymous letter; his suspicions drive the chapter's events.
Chapter XXI. Dialogue With A Master
Consumed by rage and jealousy after receiving the anonymous letters. He is isolated in his misery, unable to trust his wife or his friends, and reflects on his past social climbing.
Chapter XXII. Manners Of Procedure In 1830
Returns home to find his family happy with Julien, becomes suspicious and morose, and is displeased by the mention of money.
Sorrows Of An Official
Receives an anonymous letter, contemplates a duel with Valenod, and is persuaded by his wife to offer Julien money to leave for the seminary.
Chapter XXX. An Ambitious Man
Suspicious and irritated, he remains a looming threat throughout the chapter.
Chapter LII. The Discussion
Not present in this chapter.
Chapter LXX. Tranquility
Terrified by his wife's desire to go to Besançon, fearing political repercussions and public scandal.
CHAPTER LXXII
Julien imagines him reading the newspaper that announces his execution.

Chapter companion notes

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See M. de Rênal in Chapter I. A Small Town