# Theresia Cabarrus — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel character guide > Theresia Cabarrus in The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Theresia, Citoyenne Cabarrus, Theresia Fontenay, Madame de Fontenay **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-everlasting-stars-look-down-like-glistening-eyes-bright-with-immortal-pity-over-the-lot-of-man ## Snapshot A dazzling revolutionary courtesan who hides her identity behind aliases and disguises, playing a double game of love, ambition, and betrayal. ## Who they are Theresia moves between Paris and England under names like Citoyenne Cabarrus and Madame de Fontenay, her beauty and cunning making her a force in revolutionary politics. She is torn between her passion for the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel and her ruthless ambition to topple Robespierre through her lover Tallien. Her secret alliance with Chauvelin and her determination to see the Pimpernel captured drive the novel's central intrigue. ## Relationships ### [Bertrand Moncrif](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/bertrand_moncrif) _romantic_ Bertrand is deeply in love with Theresia, and their interactions are filled with romantic tension and devotion. ### [Tallien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien) _romantic_ Tallien is Theresia's lover and later husband, with a passionate and protective relationship. ### [Citizen Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin) _rivalry_ Chauvelin views Theresia as a dangerous influence and political enemy, often clashing with her. ### [Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/robespierre) _rivalry_ Robespierre sees Theresia as a threat to his revolutionary purity and seeks to control or eliminate her influence. ### [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney) _friendship_ Sir Percy and Theresia are allies in the revolutionary intrigue, with mutual respect and covert cooperation. ### [Pepita](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/pepita) _friendship_ Pepita is Theresia's loyal maid and confidante, providing support and companionship. ### [Marguerite Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/marguerite_blakeney) _friendship_ Marguerite and Theresia are close friends and confidantes, united by their opposition to the Terror. ### [Bertrand Moncrif](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/bertrand_moncrif) _romantic_ Bertrand is deeply in love with Theresia, and their interactions are filled with romantic tension and devotion. ### [Citizen Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/citizen_chauvelin) _rivalry_ Chauvelin views Theresia as a dangerous influence and political enemy, often clashing with her. ### [Tallien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/tallien) _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 sees Theresia as a threat to his revolutionary purity and seeks to control or eliminate her influence. ### [Pepita](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/pepita) _friendship_ Pepita is Theresia's loyal maid and confidante, providing support and companionship. ## In the story ### [Feet of Clay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii-feet-of-clay) Mentioned as the woman Chauvelin plans to manipulate in his scheme. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Discussed as the key pawn in Chauvelin's scheme; Robespierre is to be persuaded to force her to help Chauvelin. ### [One Dram of Joy Must Have a Pound of Care](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv-one-dram-of-joy-must-have-a-pound-of-care) Mentioned by Régine and Bertrand; Bertrand praises her fearlessness and influence over Tallien in Bordeaux. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the object of Bertrand's infatuation and a Republican with influence over Tallien. ### [VIII: The Beautiful Spaniard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/viii-the-beautiful-spaniard) The beautiful Spaniard, cold and fearful, manipulates Bertrand while fearing for her own safety. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Referred to as Citoyenne Cabarrus; the young and well-favored lady whose apartment is the destination of the late-night visitor. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Receives Bertrand, shows initial perplexity and fear, then takes command. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) A beautiful and manipulative woman, divorced from the Marquis de Fontenay, who uses her charm to control men like Bertrand and Tallien. She is torn between sentiment and ambition, and is terrified of being compromised. ### [IX: A Hideous, Fearful Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ix-a-hideous-fearful-hour) Theresia manipulates Tallien, lying about Bertrand Moncrif's presence while grappling with her own conflicting desires for love and power. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The beautiful and cunning Spaniard who manipulates Tallien while hiding Bertrand Moncrif in her kitchen. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Theresia is portrayed as manipulative and self-serving, using her charm to control Tallien and others, while her true affections lie with Bertrand Moncrif, though she never intended to marry him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Defiantly refuses to betray Bertrand Moncrif, criticizes Tallien and the Convention's cowardice, and analyzes Robespierre's power as a fetish of fear. ### [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) Hosts the meeting, skillfully navigates Robespierre's demands, and ultimately refuses to help entrap the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Hosts the gathering, serene and observant, acting as a goddess-like figure over the political discussion. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Hosts the gathering, engages in a verbal duel with Robespierre, and is pressured to seduce the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [Strange Happenings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xi-strange-happenings) The beautiful hostess, left alone after her guests depart, discovers her maid bound and Bertrand missing, then investigates the mysterious intrusion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) The beautiful hostess, anxious and fearful after her guests depart, discovers her maid bound and Bertrand missing. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Investigates Bertrand's disappearance, deduces the forced entry, and shows rational skepticism toward supernatural explanations. ### [Chauvelin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xii-chauvelin) Receives Chauvelin late at night; reads the Scarlet Pimpernel's letter and agrees to a meeting the next afternoon. ### [The Nest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xv-the-nest) Mentioned as the woman from whose clutches Bertrand Moncrif was snatched; Marguerite fears her hatred of Percy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the woman from whose clutches Bertrand Moncrif was snatched; Marguerite fears her hatred. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) The mysterious stranger who reveals herself as a woman fleeing France, pursued by Chauvelin, and admirer 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) Theresia confronts Sir Percy Blakeney, attempting to persuade him of her innocence while secretly plotting revenge for his earlier interference. ### [Reunion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xvii-reunion) Reunites with Bertrand, reveals the Scarlet Pimpernel's betrayal, and shows vulnerability and triumph. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Disguised as a stowaway, she reunites with Bertrand and reveals the Scarlet Pimpernel's betrayal. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Theresia rouses from a dream of happiness, arranges for a bed at the inn, and promises to return to Bertrand. ### [Night and Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xviii-night-and-morning) Leaves a note for Bertrand while he sleeps, then goes to meet Chauvelin. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Waits at the passage turn, then sneaks out to meet Chauvelin. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Writes a secret note and places it in Bertrand's hand while he sleeps, then leaves stealthily. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Leaves a tender note for Bertrand while he sleeps, arranging to meet him in London at Mme. de Neufchâteau's. ### [A Rencontre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xix-a-rencontre) Encountered in Richmond Park; she speaks of her own sorrows and her desire to return to France. ### [Of Madame de Fontenay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Marguerite sees little of her; they meet by chance in Richmond Park. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iv) Found alone by the pond, dressed in black silk with a red rose; speaks of her refuge at the convent, her missing husband, and her interest in the de Servals. ### [Mice and Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxiii-mice-and-men) Consults Mother Théot out of ambition and remorse; regrets abducting Lady Blakeney but continues scheming for power. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Returns from England, consults Mother Théot, driven by ambition and revenge; conspires with Chauvelin to abduct Lady Blakeney; dreams of Robespierre's gratitude and power. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Theresia is impatient and dictatorial, frustrated by Tallien's lack of enterprise and considering transferring her favors to Robespierre. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) The Spaniard who consults Mother Théot and is driven by ambition; she is being manipulated by Chauvelin to pursue the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [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) Theresia is recruited by Chauvelin as a coadjutor and decoy to lure the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Chauvelin's coadjutor, acting as a lure to trap the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [Four Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxv-four-days) Flees into Mother Théot's lair upon hearing Sir Percy's voice; is locked inside by Sir Percy. ### [A Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvi-a-dream) Seeks forgiveness from Sir Percy, confesses her manipulation by Chauvelin, and struggles with her conscience. ### [Terror or Ambition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvii-terror-or-ambition) Torn between terror and ambition, she is haunted by her encounter with Sir Percy and fears the consequences of failure. ### [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) Accused by Rateau of being in league with the Englishman; Chauvelin orders a search of her lodgings. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the object of Chauvelin's suspicion and Rateau's betrayal; accused of colluding with an Englishman. ### [XXX: When the Storm Burst](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxx-when-the-storm-burst) Dazzling at the theatre, she basks in Robespierre's attention and dreams of power, but is forced to act when her lodgings are raided. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Dazzling and lighthearted at the theatre, she attracts attention and receives a visit from Robespierre, fueling her ambitions. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Angry and defiant after learning of the search at her lodgings; she insists on confronting Chauvelin. ### [Our Lady of Pity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxi-our-lady-of-pity) Arrested in her apartment after Chauvelin finds incriminating letters; she defiantly protests her innocence and later tries to unmask Rateau as the Scarlet Pimpernel. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Arrested and confronted by Chauvelin; defiant and proud throughout the ordeal. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Theresia is arrested and taken to the Conciergerie, screaming that Rateau is the Scarlet Pimpernel, but her cries are ignored. ### [Grey Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxii-grey-dawn) Arrested and taken to the Conciergerie; her fate becomes the catalyst for Tallien's resolve. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Her apartments are sealed; she is the object of Tallien's dread and concern. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/ii) Arrested and taken to the Conciergerie; her empty apartment and seals on the door drive Tallien's despair. ### [The Cataclysm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-cataclysm) Arrested, sends a desperate message to Tallien from prison, motivating his courage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Tallien's fiancée, whose arrest led to his disappearance. ### [The Fall of Robespierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/iii) Sends a desperate message from prison written in blood, spurring Tallien's courage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/i) Tallien attempts to visit her at the Conciergerie. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the one whose life was risked to goad Tallien into revolt. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/characters/theresia_cabarrus - 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