# Mess Lethierry — Toilers of the Sea character guide > Mess Lethierry in Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lethierry, Mess, Miss Lethierry **First appearance:** 0015-i-a-troubled-life-but-a-quiet-conscience ## Snapshot A stubborn old Guernsey sailor who built the island's first steamship and loves only two things on earth: his vessel Durande and his niece Déruchette. ## Who they are Lethierry is a weather-beaten, broad-shouldered man who bends before neither wave nor neighbor, a peasant who has read Diderot and trusts the sea more than any parson. His pride is the Durande, the steamer he willed into being against every skeptic on the island, and his tenderness is Déruchette, the niece he raised like a daughter. When his fortunes and his ship are threatened, his obstinacy becomes both his glory and his danger. ## Relationships ### [Captain Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/captain_clubin) _rivalry_ Captain Clubin deceives and betrays Mess Lethierry, plotting to steal his ship and fortune. ### [Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/deruchette) _family_ Déruchette is Mess Lethierry's beloved niece and ward, living under his care. ### [Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt) _professional_ Gilliatt undertakes the dangerous salvage mission for Mess Lethierry, hoping to win his approval and Déruchette's hand. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ The Man Rock represents the destructive force that ruins Mess Lethierry's ship and livelihood, becoming an object of his despair. ### [Reverend Jaquemin Hérode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/reverend_jaquemin_herode) _social_ Mess Lethierry has occasional social dealings with the local reverend, Jaquemin Hérode. ### [Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/grace) _friendship_ Grace is a loyal servant and friend to Mess Lethierry, caring for his household. ### [Rev. Mr. Caudray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/rev_mr_caudray) _social_ Mess Lethierry interacts with Reverend Caudray as a respected community member, later as his uncle by marriage. ### [Captain Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/captain_clubin) _rivalry_ Captain Clubin deceives and betrays Mess Lethierry, plotting to steal his ship and fortune. ### [Captain Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/captain_clubin) _rivalry_ Captain Clubin deceives and betrays Mess Lethierry, plotting to steal his ship and fortune. ### [Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/deruchette) _family_ Déruchette is Mess Lethierry's beloved niece and ward, living under his care. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ The Man Rock represents the destructive force that ruins Mess Lethierry's ship and livelihood, becoming an object of his despair. ### [Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt) _professional_ Gilliatt undertakes the dangerous salvage mission for Mess Lethierry, hoping to win his approval and Déruchette's hand. ## In the story ### [Toilers of the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/toilers-of-the-sea) Mentioned as a prominent figure in the community, owner of the steamship Durande. ### [Part I: Sieur Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/part-i-sieur-clubin) The owner of the Durande, who places great trust in Clubin's character and seamanship. ### [Book I: The History of a Bad Reputation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-i-the-history-of-a-bad-reputation) Mentioned as a respected figure in the community, connected to the Durande and the island's maritime affairs. ### [The Dutch Sloop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-the-dutch-sloop) Observes Gilliatt's feat and exclaims 'There's a bold sailor for you!', offering his hand to Gilliatt. ### [Book II: Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-mess-lethierry) Introduced as a robust, honest former sailor who owns the steamboat Durande and is a respected figure in Guernsey. ### [A Troubled Life, but a Quiet Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-a-troubled-life-but-a-quiet-conscience) Introduced as a redoubtable sailor and shipowner, known for his bravery in rescuing ships, his lifelong labor at sea, and his eventual retirement due to rheumatism. ### [A Certain Predilection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-a-certain-predilection) Described as a child of Nature with uncultivated yet refined tastes, particularly fastidious about women's hands. His past romantic experiences and decision not to marry are detailed. ### [III: The Old Sea Language](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-old-sea-language) Mentioned as an example of someone who used the old sea dialect, calling the sheer of the decks 'la tonture' and the caulker's chisel 'la patarasse'. ### [IV: One Is Vulnerable Where One Loves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-one-is-vulnerable-where-one-loves) Portrayed as self-confident, superstitious at sea, intrepid, and obstinate; his two great loves are the Durande and Déruchette. ### [Book III: Durande and Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-durande-and-d-ruchette) Introduced as a former sailor and owner of the Durande, deeply attached to his ship and his niece. ### [I: Prattle and Smoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-prattle-and-smoke) Mentioned as Déruchette's uncle and guardian, who brought her up to be neat, delicate, and pretty. ### [The Old Story of Utopia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-old-story-of-utopia) Portrayed as the lone independent thinker and hardy mariner capable of conceiving and executing the steamboat enterprise between Guernsey and St. Malo. ### [III: Rantaine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-rantaine) Lethierry's partner Rantaine robs him of half his savings; Lethierry responds by investing in the first steam vessel. ### [Continuation of the Story of Utopia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-continuation-of-the-story-of-utopia) Owner of the controversial steamboat, 'Lethierry's Galley,' which faced initial opposition but later gained acceptance. ### [The Devil Boat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-the-devil-boat) Builder and owner of the 'Devil Boat'; praised for his skill in shipbuilding and stowage, and for his pride in the vessel's launch on July 14. ### [Lethierry's Exaltation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-lethierry-s-exaltation) Rises in social status due to the success of the Durande; becomes a popular and important figure in St. Sampson; purchases the Bravées house. ### [The Same Godfather and the Same Patron Saint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-the-same-godfather-and-the-same-patron-saint) Explains the naming of his steamboat Durande and his niece Déruchette, his role as godfather and uncle, and his plans for her marriage portion. ### [VIII: “Bonnie Dundee”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-bonnie-dundee) Uncle of Déruchette, keeps the steamboat office for the Durande, and has a room with a hammock, chronometer, and marine map. ### [The Man Who Discovered Rantaine’s Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ix-the-man-who-discovered-rantaine-s-character) Former commander of the Durande who chose Clubin as his successor; trusts Clubin due to his correct assessment of Rantaine. ### [X: Long Yarns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/x-long-yarns) Shows superstitious admiration for the Durande's figurehead, which he believes resembles Déruchette; enjoys two weekly fête days watching the ship; wears seafaring clothes despite Déruchette's teasing; recounts many exotic travel stories. ### [Matrimonial Prospects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xi-matrimonial-prospects) Fastidious about Déruchette's upbringing and her future husband; dreams of a powerful seaman as both captain of the Durande and son-in-law; dismisses fortune-seeking suitors and local aristocracy. ### [An Anomaly in the Character of Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xii-an-anomaly-in-the-character-of-lethierry) Revealed to have a strong antipathy toward priests, both as an institution and instinctively; his dislike is rooted in their persecution of his steamboat and his own nature. ### [Thoughtlessness Adds a Grace to Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xiii-thoughtlessness-adds-a-grace-to-beauty) Mentioned as the uncle who remembers a word once said, contrasting with Déruchette's forgetfulness. ### [Streaks of Fire on the Horizon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-streaks-of-fire-on-the-horizon) Mess Lethierry is mentioned as having told Déruchette she is now a 'great girl' the evening before the snow incident. ### [The Unknown Unfolds Itself by Degrees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-unknown-unfolds-itself-by-degrees) Mess Lethierry is mentioned as being fond of sea-kale and is heard conversing with Déruchette in the garden. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv) Irritated by the nocturnal serenader, suspects Gilliatt, and plans to arrange Déruchette's marriage himself without romance. ### [A Deserved Success Has Always Its Detractors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-a-deserved-success-has-always-its-detractors) Has achieved financial success through the Durande, paying off debts and mortgages, but faces skepticism from the community. ### [An Unexpected Flask of Brandy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-an-unexpected-flask-of-brandy) Mentioned as the owner of the Durande; Clubin answers to him for Tangrouille's conduct. ### [Conversations Interrupted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-conversations-interrupted) Not directly present, but the Durande is his ship and the voyage is central to the chapter. ### [VI: The Interior of an Abyss Suddenly Revealed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-the-interior-of-an-abyss-suddenly-revealed) Clubin feels revenge against Lethierry, who had only done him good, as part of his general resentment. ### [The Pearl at the Foot of the Precipice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-pearl-at-the-foot-of-the-precipice) Stands silent and motionless against the wall, his life crushed by the loss of the Durande; his hand is clenched in despair. ### [III: A Quotation from the Bible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-a-quotation-from-the-bible) Grief-stricken after the wreck, he refuses food and sleep, frees Tangrouille, and rejects offers of investment and a government post, blaming himself for sailing on Fridays. ### [Book IV: Pitfalls in the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iv-pitfalls-in-the-way) Lethierry's reputation and social standing are at stake, influencing the events of the chapter. ### [Part III: Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/part-iii-d-ruchette) Mess Lethierry is associated with Déruchette, likely as a guardian or influential figure in her life. ### [The Harbour Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-harbour-bell) Struggling with grief and confusion after the loss of the Durande; begins to process Rantaine's letter and the implications of Clubin's betrayal. ### [Gratitude and Despotism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-gratitude-and-despotism) Expresses gratitude for Gilliatt's salvage but asserts his despotic will regarding Déruchette's marriage. ### [Joy Surrounded by Tortures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-joy-surrounded-by-tortures) Overwhelmed with joy at Gilliatt's return, he praises him effusively and declares his intention for Gilliatt to marry Déruchette, then becomes bewildered and angry when Gilliatt refuses. ### [The Leathern Trunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-leathern-trunk) Observes the crowd, writes letters to Bremen, and sends a note to Gilliatt about the marriage. ### [The Havelet Near the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-havelet-near-the-church) His window is the focal point where the funnel of the Durande is displayed, drawing the crowd. ### [Despair Confronts Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-despair-confronts-despair) Mentioned as Déruchette's uncle who would oppose the marriage but is expected to forgive after the fact; his focus is on rebuilding the Durande. ### [III: The Forethought of Self-Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-forethought-of-self-sacrifice) Mentioned as the uncle who consents to the marriage, though absent. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/mess_lethierry - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters