Topsy-Turvy · Character

Alcide Pierdeux

A French engineer attending the polar auction for the sheer fun of it, whose sharp eye and sharper pen may prove more dangerous than any cannon.

supporting

Also known as Engineer Alcide Pierdeux, Pierdeux

First appearance: in which the delegates from england holland sweden denmark and russia are presented to the reader

As a supporting figure in Topsy-Turvy, Alcide Pierdeux is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a brilliant French engineer and mathematician, a graduate of the polytechnic school, who has come to Baltimore to satisfy his curiosity about the N.P.P.A.'s project.

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With President Barbicane (professional): Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical calculations for the project. With J. T. Maston (friendship): Pierdeux and Maston share a mutual respect and intellectual camaraderie, often discussing mathematical and scientific problems. With President Barbicane (professional): Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical calculations for the project.

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See Alcide Pierdeux in in which the delegates from england holland sweden denmark and russia are presented to the reader

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Alcide Pierdeux sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Gun Club & Allies
Protagonist
Polar Auction Delegates

+1 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the terrifying confirmation that J.T. Maston’s calculat…

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Relationships

President Barbicane
professional · positive
Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical… How this plays out →
J. T. Maston
friendship · positive
President Barbicane
professional · positive
Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical… How this plays out →
J. T. Maston
friendship · positive

President Barbicane
Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical calculations for the project.
J. T. Maston
Pierdeux and Maston share a mutual respect and intellectual camaraderie, often discussing mathematical and scientific problems.
President Barbicane
Pierdeux serves as a mathematical expert and consultant to Barbicane, providing critical calculations for the project.
J. T. Maston
Pierdeux and Maston share a mutual respect and intellectual camaraderie, often discussing mathematical and scientific problems.

Relationship notes

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See Alcide Pierdeux in in which the delegates from england holland sweden denmark and russia are presented to the reader

In the story

Alcide Pierdeux appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

In Which Appears the French Gentleman to Whom We Referred at the Beginning of This Truthful Story
Introduced as a brilliant French engineer and mathematician, a graduate of the polytechnic school, who has come to Baltimore to satisfy his curiosity about the N.P.P.A.'s project. He is described as tall, amiable, and a bachelor, deeply engaged in calculating possible means to shift the Earth's axis.
What Was Found in the Notebook of J. T. Maston and What It No Longer Contained
His earlier prediction about the recoil effect is confirmed by the notebook's calculations.
At the Close of Which J. T. Maston Utters an Epigram
The French engineer reflects on the possible consequences of the operation, admires Maston's calculations, and hypothesizes about the catastrophic effects of the shot, including volcanoes and ocean displacement.
In Which a Crowd of Dissatisfied People Break Into the Cell of J. T. Maston
Expresses skepticism about the feasibility of Barbicane's cannon.
What Had Been Done at Kilimanjaro During Eight Month of This Memorable Year
In Baltimore, he discovers a critical error in Maston's calculations, realizing the cannon will fail.
In Which J. T. Maston Regrets That the Crowd Did Not Lynch Him When He Was in Prison
Remains calm and drinks champagne, noting the Earth continues its normal rotation.
In Which This Story, as Truthful as It Is Improbable, Is Finished
Publishes the article exposing Maston's error, gains worldwide fame and reputation, and reconciles with his former sweetheart's father.
Very Short, Since Enough Has Been Said to Make the World’s Population Feel Perfectly Sure Again
His article is credited with proving the impossibility of the plan.

Chapter companion notes

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See Alcide Pierdeux in in which the delegates from england holland sweden denmark and russia are presented to the reader

See Alcide Pierdeux in In Which Appears the French Gentleman to Whom We Referred at the Beginning of This Truthful Story