# Robespierre — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel character guide > Robespierre in The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** citizen Robespierre, the great Robespierre, the dictator of France **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man ## Snapshot The paranoid dictator of France, whose iron grip on the Reign of Terror makes him both the ultimate prize and the ultimate threat. ## Who they are Robespierre rules revolutionary France with a mixture of cold ideology and growing paranoia, his power absolute but his position precarious. He is the object of Theresia Cabarrus's ambition and the master whom Chauvelin serves, though his gratitude is as dangerous as his suspicion. His looming presence shapes every political calculation and raises the stakes for all who oppose him. ## Relationships ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Robespierre sees Theresia as a threat to his revolutionary purity and seeks to control or eliminate her influence. ### [Tallien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien) _rivalry_ Robespierre and Tallien are political rivals, with Tallien opposing Robespierre's extreme Reign of Terror. ### [Bertrand Moncrif](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/bertrand_moncrif) _rivalry_ Bertrand is a secret enemy of Robespierre, working to undermine his revolutionary regime. ### [Citizen Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin) _professional_ Chauvelin serves Robespierre as a loyal agent of the Committee of Public Safety. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Robespierre sees Theresia as a threat to his revolutionary purity and seeks to control or eliminate her influence. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _rivalry_ Robespierre sees Theresia as a threat to his revolutionary purity and seeks to control or eliminate her influence. ### [Bertrand Moncrif](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/bertrand_moncrif) _rivalry_ Bertrand is a secret enemy of Robespierre, working to undermine his revolutionary regime. ### [Tallien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien) _rivalry_ Robespierre and Tallien are political rivals, with Tallien opposing Robespierre's extreme Reign of Terror. ### [Citizen Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin) _professional_ Chauvelin serves Robespierre as a loyal agent of the Committee of Public Safety. ### [Citizen Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin) _professional_ Chauvelin serves Robespierre as a loyal agent of the Committee of Public Safety. ### [Tallien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien) _rivalry_ Robespierre and Tallien are political rivals, with Tallien opposing Robespierre's extreme Reign of Terror. ### [Bertrand Moncrif](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/bertrand_moncrif) _rivalry_ Bertrand is a secret enemy of Robespierre, working to undermine his revolutionary regime. ## In the story ### [I: “The Everlasting Stars Look Down, Like Glistening Eyes Bright with Immortal Pity, Over the Lot of Man.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man) Depicted as the absolute master of France, calm, sphinx-like, and invulnerable, at the height of his power after eliminating Danton and Hébert. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Implied as a central figure in the ongoing tyranny and purges. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Depicted as the absolute master of France, calm and invulnerable, wielding power through fear and ambition after eliminating rivals like Danton and Hébert. ### [Feet of Clay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii-feet-of-clay) Consults Mother Théot, showing superstitious fear despite his usual cold demeanor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Consults Mother Théot, shows fear and credulity despite his usual cold demeanor. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Participates in Théot's séance, experiences a vision of god-like power, and is shaken by a laugh from the antechamber. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Referenced as the dictator whom Mother Théot will influence to compel Theresia Cabarrus to do Chauvelin's bidding. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Referred to as a bloodthirsty autocrat and execrable monster by Bertrand. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Inventor of the Fraternal Suppers; his residence in the Rue St. Honoré makes the street a focal point for the gatherings. ### [VI: One Crowded Hour of Glorious Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vi-one-crowded-hour-of-glorious-life) Appears at the Fraternal Supper, confronts the de Serval family, and commands the crowd to let justice take its course. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Appears as the tyrannical leader, commanding the crowd and ordering the de Servals to the Commissariat. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) The tyrant who initially smiles at Rateau's actions but is left ridiculed and humiliated when the trick is revealed. ### [Two Interludes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vii-two-interludes) Mentioned as having witnessed the mysterious giant and turned pale. ### [VIII: The Beautiful Spaniard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/viii-the-beautiful-spaniard) Referenced as the target of Bertrand's outburst and as a potential visitor. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Referred to as 'the other' and 'that brute Robespierre'; Bertrand's denunciation of him during a public ceremony has put both men in danger. ### [IX: A Hideous, Fearful Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ix-a-hideous-fearful-hour) Robespierre is the unseen dictator whose power and threat of the guillotine dominate the conversation, with Tallien and Theresia both fearing his wrath. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Robespierre is mentioned as a preferred but unattainable match for Theresia, being too cautious and ambitious to be enmeshed by her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the feared dictator whose name alone rules France; his arrival is imminent. ### [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) Dominates the assembly with silent menace, proposes using Theresia to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel, and threatens her when she refuses. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Dominates the assembly silently, immaculately dressed, self-absorbed, and taciturn. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Accuses Bertrand Moncrif of treason and taunts Theresia, demanding she use her wits to trap the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xii-chauvelin) Referenced as the one who asked Theresia to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel into a trap. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as being present nearby during the rescue of Bertrand Moncrif. ### [Reunion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xvii-reunion) Mentioned in the context of the Fraternal Supper and the mob scene. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Referenced in Bertrand's story of the Fraternal Supper, arriving on the scene during the quarrel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The tyrant of France; Theresia dreams of his gratitude and making him her willing slave. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Robespierre is described as a manikin set on a pedestal, the idol of the people whom Theresia hopes to subjugate or topple. ### [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) Robespierre is mentioned as fearing the Scarlet Pimpernel and being superstitiously convinced of his downfall. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Referenced as fearing the Scarlet Pimpernel and being superstitious about his downfall. ### [XXVIII: In the Meanwhile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxviii-in-the-meanwhile) Remains silent and impenetrable, meditating a Titanic attack on his enemies, with his intimates accused of planning a dictatorship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The silent, impenetrable dictator who meditates a Titanic attack on his enemies, including Tallien and the Moderates. ### [XXX: When the Storm Burst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxx-when-the-storm-burst) Visits Theresia's box briefly, fueling her ambitions and public triumph. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the dictator whose coat pocket reportedly contained a list of forty names, causing unease. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Visits Theresia's box briefly, a rare public gesture that causes a stir; he is moody and speaks of dizzying heights and falls. ### [The Cataclysm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-cataclysm) Dictator of France, delivers a threatening speech, is decreed accused after Tallien's defiance. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The tyrant whose list of forty opponents is discovered, causing widespread panic. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Delivers a passionate, threatening speech to the Convention, accusing enemies of the Republic and demanding death for traitors; withdraws in proud silence after the printing motion is defeated. ### [The Fall of Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) The falling tyrant, choked with rage and terror, is decreed accused after being denied speech. ### [The Whirlwind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-whirlwind) Fallen from power, he is entrenched at the Hôtel de Ville with his followers, still a threat. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Arrested and decreed accused, though still alive and dominating. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Entrenched at the Hôtel de Ville, proclaimed dictator by Henriot, redacting proclamations and sending messengers. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned by Barras as 'ignoble' and a 'bloodthirsty monster' in the Assembly. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre - 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