# Citizen Chauvelin — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel character guide > Citizen Chauvelin in The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Chauvelin, Ambition Chauvelin **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man ## Snapshot A relentless revolutionary agent whose obsessive hunt for the Scarlet Pimpernel consumes him, even as he serves a regime that would discard him. ## Who they are Chauvelin is Robespierre's most trusted operative, a man of meagre frame but formidable cunning, driven by the need to capture the Pimpernel and restore his own standing. His bitter rivalry with the English hero is personal, and his alliance with Theresia Cabarrus is one of convenience and mutual manipulation. His tireless scheming sets the dangerous cat-and-mouse game in motion. ## Relationships ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Chauvelin views Theresia as a dangerous influence and political enemy, often clashing with her. ### [Citizen Rateau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_rateau) _professional_ Chauvelin employs Rateau as a loyal spy and assistant in his revolutionary investigations. ### [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney) _rivalry_ Chauvelin is obsessed with unmasking and capturing Sir Percy, the Scarlet Pimpernel, as his archenemy. ### [Marguerite Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/marguerite_blakeney) _rivalry_ Chauvelin suspects Marguerite of aiding the Scarlet Pimpernel and regards her as a cunning adversary. ### [Sergeant Chazot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/sergeant_chazot) _professional_ Chauvelin commands Sergeant Chazot as a subordinate officer in his security operations. ### [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre) _professional_ Chauvelin serves Robespierre as a loyal agent of the Committee of Public Safety. ### [Citizen Barras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_barras) _rivalry_ Barras and Chauvelin are political rivals within the revolutionary government, vying for power. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Chauvelin views Theresia as a dangerous influence and political enemy, often clashing with her. ### [Citizen Rateau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_rateau) _professional_ Chauvelin employs Rateau as a loyal spy and assistant in his revolutionary investigations. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Chauvelin views Theresia as a dangerous influence and political enemy, often clashing with her. ### [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney) _rivalry_ Chauvelin is obsessed with unmasking and capturing Sir Percy, the Scarlet Pimpernel, as his archenemy. ### [Citizen Rateau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_rateau) _professional_ Chauvelin employs Rateau as a loyal spy and assistant in his revolutionary investigations. ## In the story ### [Feet of Clay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii-feet-of-clay) Plots with Théot to use Theresia Cabarrus against the Scarlet Pimpernel, offering a reward. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Pays Mother Théot and reveals he was hidden behind the curtain during her séance, plotting to use Theresia Cabarrus to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [X: The Grim Idol That the World Adores](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/x-the-grim-idol-that-the-world-adores) Present but subservient, says little and defers to Robespierre's faction. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Present as a hanger-on of Robespierre's party, subservient and deferential. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Present at the gathering, avoids Theresia's gaze, and is identified as knowing the Scarlet Pimpernel's identity. ### [Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xii-chauvelin) Finds the letter under the door, reads it, and uses it to manipulate Theresia into helping trap the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Heard threatening a woman in French; seen walking rapidly away after the confrontation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the pursuer and enemy of the stranger, who hates her for her admiration of the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [A Lover of Sport](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xvi-a-lover-of-sport) Chauvelin is mentioned as having guided Theresia to Percy's door and as the one who accused her of harboring Bertrand and the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [Night and Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xviii-night-and-morning) Meets Theresia secretly on the quay at her request. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Hails Theresia from the dark angle behind the porch; she instructs him to wait on the quay. ### [XXII: Waiting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxii-waiting) Visits Marguerite after twenty-four hours, dressed with scrupulous care and affecting refined manners. He calmly explains the plan to wait for Sir Percy's arrival. ### [The Decoy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Visits Marguerite in a calm, well-groomed manner, explaining his plan to wait for Sir Percy to come to her. ### [Mice and Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiii-mice-and-men) Uses Theresia for his own ends; meets Mother Théot to discuss Rateau and is unnerved by a mysterious laugh. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Uses Theresia for his own ends; concocts a bogus letter to spur her revenge; unscrupulous agent of the Committee of Public Safety. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) The ruthless agent of the State who plots with Mother Théot to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel, using Theresia as a tool. ### [XXIV: By Order of the State](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiv-by-order-of-the-state) Chauvelin orchestrates the trap for the Scarlet Pimpernel, attacks Rateau in a mistaken identity, and commands the National Guard. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Plots with Mother Théot and Theresia, driven by fear and obsession with the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Triumphs over the Scarlet Pimpernel in a dark storeroom, feeling dizzy with coming glory. ### [The Rue de la Planchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Chauvelin is breathless and terrified after the attack, but regains his composure and takes command, ordering Rateau's arrest and sending for Sergeant Chazot. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Orders the branding of Rateau to identify the English spy. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v) Arrives at Mother Théot's landing and is about to enter her apartments. ### [Four Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxv-four-days) Delivers the four-day ultimatum to shoot Lady Blakeney, is humiliated by Sir Percy's taunts and physical manipulation. ### [A Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvi-a-dream) Mentioned as Theresia's taskmaster and the orchestrator of the plot against Sir Percy; his presence looms over the scene. ### [Terror or Ambition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvii-terror-or-ambition) Dictatorial and menacing, he threatens Theresia with the tribunal if she fails, but promises Robespierre's gratitude if they capture the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [XXVIII: In the Meanwhile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxviii-in-the-meanwhile) Absent from Committee sittings, he focuses entirely on his scheme to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel and leverage that success for supreme power. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Absent from Committee sittings, deeply absorbed in his scheme to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel and seize power. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) His presence is felt daily outside Marguerite's door, with whispered commands and stealthy footsteps. ### [The Close of the Second Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxix-the-close-of-the-second-day) Paranoid and nerve-wracked, he paces the storage room, distrusts everyone, and orders a raid on Theresia's lodgings based on Rateau's accusation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Master-spy interrogating Rateau, driven by suspicion of Theresia Cabarrus. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Gives the order to Captain Boyer to shoot the prisoner if the English spy is not captured by the fourth day. ### [XXX: When the Storm Burst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxx-when-the-storm-burst) Leads the raid on Theresia's lodgings, chiding the soldiers for being late. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Referenced through his prophecies and incantations that influence Theresia's thoughts about the Scarlet Pimpernel and Robespierre. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as leading the search party at Theresia's lodgings, chiding the soldiers for being late. ### [Our Lady of Pity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxi-our-lady-of-pity) Leads the raid, discovers the letters, and orders Theresia's arrest; he dismisses her claim about Rateau being the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Leads the raid, produces the letters, and orders Theresia's arrest. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Chauvelin hears the disturbance and investigates, but dismisses the idea that Rateau could be the English spy. ### [Grey Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxii-grey-dawn) Affixed the official seals on Theresia's doors and dismissed the soldiers after the arrest. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Affixes official seals to Theresia's doors and dismisses the soldiers. ### [The Whirlwind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-whirlwind) Obsessed with capturing the English spy, he dismisses Barras's pleas for troops and brutally encounters Rateau. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) His furtive footsteps and cold voice are heard outside her door; he states that if the Englishman does not come by the fourth day, orders will be carried out. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Meets Barras at the Porte St. Antoine, dismisses the political crisis, and is focused on capturing the English spy. He brutally kicks Rateau. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/v) Orders Captain Boyer to delay Marguerite's execution to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vi) Bound and gagged by Percy; helpless and furious; his soldiers are taken away by Barras. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters