The Red and the Black · Character

Marquis de la Mole

A Parisian grandee who hires the carpenter's son as his secretary, then watches his daughter's dangerous fascination with the upstart with cold, calculating eyes.

supporting

Also known as M. de la Mole, M. le Marquis de la Mole, the Marquis de la Mole, M. le Marquis

First appearance: Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole

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

Accompanies the king and is noted for his haughty demeanor; he had procured a bishopric for his nephew.

In the storyChapter XVIII. A King At VerrièresOpen this moment free

Marquis de la Mole first appears in 0034 chapter xxxiv the h tel de la mole.

With Julien Sorel (professional): Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers. With Abbé Pirard (professional): A respectful working relationship, with Pirard serving as the Marquis's spiritual advisor and intermediary. With Mathilde de la Mole (family): A proud father who indulges his daughter's whims but is deeply concerned about her unconventional choices.

See Marquis de la Mole in Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières Book page

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Character Web

47 connections

A slice of how Marquis de la Mole sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Julien's Parisian circle
Historical and minor figures
Protagonist

+42 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

Julien Sorel
professional · positive
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating… How this plays out →
Abbé Pirard
professional · positive
Mathilde de la Mole
family · ambivalent
Julien Sorel
professional · positive
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating… How this plays out →
Julien Sorel
professional · positive
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating… How this plays out →
Abbé Pirard
professional · positive
Mathilde de la Mole
family · ambivalent
Abbé Pirard
professional · positive
Mathilde de la Mole
family · ambivalent

Julien Sorel
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers.
Abbé Pirard
A respectful working relationship, with Pirard serving as the Marquis's spiritual advisor and intermediary.
Mathilde de la Mole
A proud father who indulges his daughter's whims but is deeply concerned about her unconventional choices.
Julien Sorel
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers.
Julien Sorel
Julien serves as the Marquis's secretary, earning trust and respect while navigating class barriers.
Abbé Pirard
A respectful working relationship, with Pirard serving as the Marquis's spiritual advisor and intermediary.
Mathilde de la Mole
A proud father who indulges his daughter's whims but is deeply concerned about her unconventional choices.
Abbé Pirard
A respectful working relationship, with Pirard serving as the Marquis's spiritual advisor and intermediary.
Mathilde de la Mole
A proud father who indulges his daughter's whims but is deeply concerned about her unconventional choices.

Relationship notes

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

See Marquis de la Mole in Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole

In the story

Marquis de la Mole appears across 25 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières
Accompanies the king and is noted for his haughty demeanor; he had procured a bishopric for his nephew.
Chapter XXXI. The Pleasures Of The Country
Mentioned as the benefactor who secured Abbé Pirard's living and is now bringing Julien to Paris.
Chapter XXXII. Entry Into Society
Hires Julien as secretary, provides for his needs, and tests his abilities.
The First Steps
Approves of Julien's handling of the riding incident and rebukes Tanbeau for intruding.
Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole
Defends his decision to keep Julien, values resistance, and is charming to his wife while maintaining the household's social codes.
Chapter XXXV. Sensibility And A Great Pious Lady
Entrusts Julien with his affairs and gradually takes him into his confidence; appreciates Julien's industry and intelligence.
Chapter XXXVI. Pronunciation
Mentions the rumor about Julien's birth and advises him to observe society at the opera.
Chapter XXXVII. An Attack Of Gout
Confined by gout, he becomes increasingly attached to Julien, finding his originality and lack of affectation refreshing. He tests Julien's character and eventually entrusts him with important business and a mission to London.
Chapter XXXVIII. What Is The Decoration Which Confers Distinction?
Mentions his interest in Villequier estate and has given Julien a cross, which Mathilde notes.
Chapter XL. Queen Marguerite
Referenced as the father who pays Julien's salary and whose daughter's behavior is noted.
Chapter XLI. A Young Girl’s Dominion
Mentioned as Mathilde's father, who would procure advancement for a son-in-law.
Chapter XLIII. A Plot
Entrusts Julien with the administration of his estates in Lower Languedoc, reluctantly consenting to his journey.
Chapter XLIV. A Young Girl’s Thoughts
Appears at the library door, unknowingly interrupting the exchange of letters between Julien and Mathilde.
Chapter XLV. Is It A Plot?
The marquis is mentioned as being absent from the library, allowing Mathilde the freedom to speak with Julien. Julien also plans to send a copy of his memoir to him.
Chapter XLVII. An Old Sword
Unaware of the drama, he forbids Julien from leaving Paris, insisting he is needed.
Chapter XLVIII. Cruel Moments
Notices Julien's distraction and suggests a journey, inadvertently affecting Mathilde's thoughts.
Chapter LI. The Secret Note
The Marquis orchestrates the secret mission, testing Julien's memory and loyalty. He appears rejuvenated and serious, revealing his involvement in political intrigue.
Chapter LII. The Discussion
Hosts the meeting, presents Julien, and speaks with insolent haughtiness.
Chapter LIII. The Clergy, The Forests, Liberty
Organizes the secret meeting, expresses fatigue and shame, and sends Julien on a secret mission.
Chapter LV. The Ministry Of Virtue
Displeased with despatches, but later praises Julien at dinner and is involved in political plans for a ministry position.
Chapter LXII. The Tiger
Receives Mathilde's letter confessing her relationship with Julien and her pregnancy. He is enraged and summons Julien.
Chapter LXIII. The Hell Of Weakness
Furious and insulting towards Julien, torn between his pride and the necessity of accepting the marriage, eventually hesitates and offers a financial settlement.
Chapter LXIV. A Man Of Intellect
Struggles to reconcile his daughter's demands with his suspicions of Julien, ultimately granting him a commission and income while delaying the marriage.
A Storm
Enraged by the letter, he forbids the marriage and offers Julien an income to leave, showing his aristocratic pride and protectiveness.
Chapter LXVIII. A Powerful Man
Mentioned as Mathilde's powerful father and an opponent of Abbé de Frilair, whose reputation is a concern for Julien.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Marquis de la Mole unlock in the free preview.

See Marquis de la Mole in Chapter XXXIV. The Hôtel De La Mole

See Marquis de la Mole in Chapter XVIII. A King At Verrières