# Tallien — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel character guide > Tallien in The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Citizen Tallien, the lovesick Tallien **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man ## Snapshot A cautious revolutionary leader whose love for Theresia Cabarrus wars with his fear of Robespierre and his own political timidity. ## Who they are Tallien is a man of ambition without boldness, torn between his passion for Theresia and his instinct for self-preservation under Robespierre's terror. He temporizes and hesitates, frustrating Theresia's drive to seize power before it is too late. His vacillation makes him a pivotal but unreliable player in the dangerous game of revolutionary politics. ## Relationships ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _romantic_ Tallien is Theresia's lover and later husband, with a passionate and protective relationship. ### [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre) _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) _friendship_ Bertrand and Tallien are allies in the plot against Robespierre, cooperating politically. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _romantic_ Tallien is Theresia's lover and later husband, with a passionate and protective relationship. ### [Theresia Cabarrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus) _romantic_ Tallien is Theresia's lover and later husband, with a passionate and protective relationship. ### [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre) _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) _friendship_ Bertrand and Tallien are allies in the plot against Robespierre, cooperating politically. ### [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre) _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) _friendship_ Bertrand and Tallien are allies in the plot against Robespierre, cooperating politically. ## In the story ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as Theresia's powerful but vulnerable fiancé; Chauvelin believes Tallien's cowardice and moderate actions make him susceptible to being declared 'suspect.' ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a fiend whose cruelty was modified by Theresia's influence in Bordeaux. ### [VIII: The Beautiful Spaniard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/viii-the-beautiful-spaniard) Expected visitor; his arrival forces Pepita to hide Bertrand. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the popular Representative in the Convention and ardent adorer of Theresia Cabarrus. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as a potential visitor who could endanger Theresia if he finds Bertrand in her apartment. ### [IX: A Hideous, Fearful Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ix-a-hideous-fearful-hour) Tallien is consumed by jealousy and fear, threatening to denounce Bertrand Moncrif while seeking Theresia's help to gain Robespierre's favor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The jealous and powerful suitor who confronts Theresia about Bertrand's presence. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Tallien suppresses his jealousy after Theresia's victory, his heart soothed by her flattery and preference for him, though he is ultimately a pis-aller for her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Pleads with Theresia to help him appease Robespierre, suggests betraying Bertrand, and shows fear of Robespierre's threats. ### [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) Theresia's fiancé, visibly anxious and obsequious, hoping the meeting will appease Robespierre. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Her future husband, visibly agitated and obsequious toward Robespierre, showing cowardice and flattery. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Anxious and trembling for Theresia during her confrontation with Robespierre, later implores her to obey the dictator. ### [Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xii-chauvelin) Mentioned as being at the Convention at three in the afternoon, allowing Theresia to meet Chauvelin privately. ### [A Lover of Sport](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xvi-a-lover-of-sport) Tallien is referenced as the fiancé of Theresia Cabarrus, and Theresia is noted as potentially becoming 'Madame Tallien' soon. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned by Theresia as someone whose regard she gained, allowing her to intervene for victims. ### [Mice and Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiii-mice-and-men) Theresia's lover; she pushes him to seize power from Robespierre, but he counsels prudence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The coming man of the hour, already at Theresia's feet. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Tallien is portrayed as prudent and temporising, afraid to seize power and constantly checking Theresia's ambition. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Dismissed by Chauvelin as too mean and cowardly to be useful. ### [XXVIII: In the Meanwhile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxviii-in-the-meanwhile) Moves like a ghostly shadow, feeling the tyrant has already decreed his doom, not daring to speak in the Convention. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) One of Robespierre's intended victims, going about like a ghostly shadow, fearing the tyrant's decree of doom. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a protector of Theresia Cabarrus, feared by Rateau. ### [XXX: When the Storm Burst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxx-when-the-storm-burst) Terrified and indecisive, he is ordered by Theresia to stay at the theatre and feign unconcern. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Observed in the foyer during entr'actes, appearing obsequious among his friends. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Sits with Theresia in her box during the first two acts, fawning on Robespierre. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Present in the theatre box, terrified by the news, but ordered by Theresia to stay and act unconcerned. ### [Grey Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxii-grey-dawn) Overwhelmed by dread and remorse after Theresia's arrest; sits numbly on her staircase until roused by the mysterious strangers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Hurries to the Rue Villedot, consumed by fear for Theresia and remorse for his role in the Revolutionary Committee. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Devastated by Theresia's arrest, he sits in shock outside her apartment until confronted by the mysterious strangers. ### [The Cataclysm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-cataclysm) Leads the opposition against Robespierre, emboldened by a message from Theresia written in blood. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Chief of the forty named opponents, missing after his fiancée Theresia Cabarrus was arrested. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Boldly demands delay in printing Robespierre's speech, questioning the liberty of opinion; his face is ashen but he shows unexpected courage. ### [The Fall of Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Leads the revolt, brandishes a dagger, and calls for the tyrant's overthrow, driven by love for Theresia. ### [The Whirlwind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-whirlwind) Leads the Convention's defiance against Henriot, earning glory, and later seeks Theresia at the Conciergerie. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Rushes to the Conciergerie to see Theresia but is denied access. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Leads the charge in the Convention, demands Robespierre be outlawed, and bravely confronts Henriot's gunners, turning them away. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned by Barras as having been 'superb' in the Assembly against Robespierre. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as being spurred into open revolt by the threat to Theresia. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien - 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