The Secret Tomb · Character

Maître Delarue

A flustered provincial notary charged with presiding over a dead man's rendezvous, he clings to procedure while longing to be anywhere but the scene of danger.

supporting

Also known as Delarue, Monsieur Delarue

First appearance: i the ch teau de roborey

As a supporting figure in The Secret Tomb, Maître Delarue is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The inspector conducting the cross-examination; he examines documents and questions Dorothy about her troupe.

In the storyIV: The Cross-ExaminationOpen this moment free

See Maître Delarue in IV: The Cross-Examination Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Delarue arrives at the clock tower clutching the gold medal and the instructions of a client long dead, the legal hinge on which the whole inheritance turns. He is pompous about his office yet craven in a crisis, cowering in corners and sniveling when shots are fired, and Dorothy must drag him by the hand like a child. His comic cowardice sharpens the stakes: the man who represents the dead is the least equipped to face what the dead have arranged.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Maître Delarue sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Maître Delarue in i the ch teau de roborey

Character Web

18 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central mystery conspirators
Protagonist

+13 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

Dorothy’s psychological peak occurs when she realizes her bluff is failing—d’Estreicher sees through the illus…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Maître Delarue appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: The Cross-Examination
The inspector conducting the cross-examination; he examines documents and questions Dorothy about her troupe.
XI: The Will of the Marquis de Beaugreval
The notary from Nantes, entrusted with the sealed letter; initially flustered but recovers dignity to read the Marquis's testament.
XII: The Elixir of Resurrection
Initially skeptical; leads the way on a donkey; becomes uneasy as the will's instructions are fulfilled.
XIII: Lazarus
Initially convinced of the resurrection, he argues with Dorothy but is eventually swayed by her reasoning.
XIV: The Fourth Medal
Notary; terrified by the murder and the threat; wants to inform the police but is dissuaded by Dorothy.
XV: The Kidnapping of Montfaucon
Terrified and reluctant, he is guided by Dorothy down the rope ladder, fearing for his life due to the codicil he holds.
XVI: The Last Quarter of a Minute
Captured after being forced down from a tree with a bullet through his hat, held with Montfaucon.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Maître Delarue unlock in the free preview.

See Maître Delarue in i the ch teau de roborey

See Maître Delarue in IV: The Cross-Examination