The Red and the Black · Character

M. Valenod

The rich director of the Verrières poorhouse, a loud, florid provincial climber who buys Norman horses and silences paupers while scheming to outshine the mayor.

supporting

Also known as Valenod, M. de Valenod, M. le Valenod, the Valenod

First appearance: Chapter III. The Poor Fund

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

Director of the workhouse, mentioned as sharing the mayor's opinion of the promenade.

In the storyChapter II. A MayorOpen this moment free

M. Valenod first appears in 0003 chapter iii the poor fund.

With Madame de Rênal (rivalry): A social and political rival, with Valenod coveting her position and husband's influence. With Madame de Rênal (rivalry): A social and political rival, with Valenod coveting her position and husband's influence.

See M. Valenod in Chapter II. A Mayor Book page

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Character Web

24 connections

A slice of how M. Valenod sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

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

+19 more in the full Character Web

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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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Madame de Rênal
rivalry · negative
A social and political rival, with Valenod coveting her position and husband's influence. How this plays out →
Madame de Rênal
rivalry · negative
A social and political rival, with Valenod coveting her position and husband's influence. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See M. Valenod in Chapter III. The Poor Fund

In the story

M. Valenod appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II. A Mayor
Director of the workhouse, mentioned as sharing the mayor's opinion of the promenade.
Chapter III. The Poor Fund
The rich director of the workhouse, who joins M. de Rênal in reproaching the curé and is noted for his coarse and boisterous nature.
Chapter IV. A Father And A Son
Mentioned as a potential rival for Julien's services.
Chapter VI. Ennui
Visits during Julien's recitation, contributing to the scene's impact.
Chapter VII. The Elective Affinities
The director of the poorhouse, who is jealous of Julien and publicly criticizes his foppish appearance. He is also seen as corrupt, profiting from the poor fund.
Chapter XVII. The First Deputy
Mentioned as a rival in the local political intrigue and as a participant in the secret society meetings.
Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières
Lends one of his horses to Julien for the guard of honour, despite hating him.
Chapter XIX. Thinking Produces Suffering
Learns of Madame de Rênal's affair with Julien, mortifying his pride and intensifying his jealousy.
Chapter XX. Anonymous Letters
Accused by Madame de Rênal of being the author of the anonymous letter; she plans to make her husband believe this.
Chapter XXI. Dialogue With A Master
Mentioned as a potential new employer for Julien and as having had a flirtation with Madame de Rênal, which fuels M. de Rênal's jealousy.
Chapter XXII. Manners Of Procedure In 1830
The director of the workhouse who offers Julien a higher salary and is seen as a coarse, ambitious rival to M. de Rênal.
Sorrows Of An Official
Implied as the source of the anonymous letter and the rival offering Julien a position.
Chapter LXXI. The Trial
A juror, whose insolent look hardens Julien's resolve; he is a symbol of the class Julien despises.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for M. Valenod unlock in the free preview.

See M. Valenod in Chapter III. The Poor Fund

See M. Valenod in Chapter II. A Mayor