The Slaves of Paris · Character

Sabine de Mussidan

A young noblewoman who preserves her calm while her parents' secrets and her own engagement threaten to close around her.

major

Also known as Mademoiselle Sabine, Sabine, Mussidan, Mademoiselle de Mussidan

First appearance: VIII: Mademoiselle de Mussidan

As a major figure in The Slaves of Paris, Sabine de Mussidan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A target of manipulation, entangled in the web of secrets.

In the storyPart I: Caught in the NetOpen this moment free

Sabine de Mussidan moves through a household poisoned by her mother's hidden correspondence and her father's humiliating dealings with blackmailers. Told she must marry M. de Croisenois, she smiles faintly and asks whether he might not make an excellent husband after all, while privately resolving to speak openly to M. de Breulh-Faverlay and ask him to release her. Her composure is a weapon and a shield; she is the one still standing when everyone around her is undone.

See Sabine de Mussidan in Part I: Caught in the Net Book page

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Character Web

45 connections

A slice of how Sabine de Mussidan sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Central criminal network
Minor background figures

+40 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the psychological peak of M. de Puymandour’s delusio…

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Relationships

André
romantic · positive
André is a devoted lover to Sabine, though their relationship is fraught with social… How this plays out →
André
romantic · positive
André is a devoted lover to Sabine, though their relationship is fraught with social… How this plays out →
André
romantic · positive
André is a devoted lover to Sabine, though their relationship is fraught with social… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Sabine de Mussidan in VIII: Mademoiselle de Mussidan

In the story

Sabine de Mussidan appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: Caught in the Net
A target of manipulation, entangled in the web of secrets.
The Opinion of Dr. Hortebise
Mentioned as the intended bride for the Marquis de Croisenois, with plans to break her engagement to M. de Breulh-Faverlay.
A Trustworthy Servant
Described as gentle and considerate; Florestan reveals she has a secret lover whom she meets in disguise, including giving him a photograph.
A Forgotten Crime
Mentioned as the daughter whose engagement to M. de Breulh-Faverlay is the target of the blackmail.
VI: A Medical Advisor
Mentioned as the daughter whose marriage is being manipulated; she is out when summoned.
VIII: Mademoiselle de Mussidan
The scion of the lordly house of Mussidan, who risks her honor to visit André. She offers him hope after his dismissal.
IX: Rose's Promotion
Visits André for her final portrait sitting; discusses her plan to confess to M. de Breulh-Faverlay to avoid an arranged marriage.
XII: A Startling Revelation
Resolves to confess her love for André to M. de Breulh-Faverlay, showing indomitable will and courage despite her anguish.
XIII: Husband and Wife
Mentioned as the daughter whose engagement is broken; her maid reports she is dying.
XIX: A Friendly Rival
Referenced as the object of both men's affections; reported to be seriously ill in Modeste's letter.
A Council of War
Reported dangerously ill; the central figure of the unfolding drama.
Father and Son
Mentioned as the subject of André's portrait; her convalescence lifts André's spirits.
XXV: A New Skin
Identified as the wealthy heiress who loves André and has allied with Breulh-Faverlay, threatening Tantaine's plans.
A Melancholy Masher
Sent a despairing letter to André about her forced marriage.
The Vanishing Bills
Mentioned as enduring a noble sacrifice for her parents, with her health visibly suffering.
Mascarin Moves
Overhears her mother's confession and resolves to sacrifice herself by marrying the Marquis de Croisenois to save her family's honor, hiding her true feelings behind a brave smile.
A Cruel Slur
Mentioned as the object of the blackmail; her secret visits to André's studio are used as leverage against her father.
XXX: The Veiled Portrait
Her portrait is the subject of the chapter; she has secretly sat for André, proving her love.
Every Man to His Own Place
Suffers greatly during the separation but is finally united with André in marriage.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Sabine de Mussidan unlock in the free preview.

See Sabine de Mussidan in VIII: Mademoiselle de Mussidan

See Sabine de Mussidan in Part I: Caught in the Net