# M. Paul Emanuel — Villette character guide > M. Paul Emanuel in Villette by Charlotte Brontë. **Role:** major **Also known as:** M. Paul, Paul, M. Emanuel, Professor Emanuel, Monsieur Paul, Monsieur Emanuel **First appearance:** 0007-viii-madame-beck ## Snapshot A volatile, imperious professor whose volcanic temper and unexpected tenderness make him the most unsettling presence in Lucy's life. ## Who they are M. Paul Emanuel teaches literature with fire and rules his classroom like a despot, yet he is also the man who quietly wraps a shawl around a sleeping colleague and weeps at his own departure. His jealousy, his generosity, and his need to dominate are all expressions of the same fierce attachment. He matters because he is the one person who sees Lucy clearly — and the one who most tests her composure. ## In the story ### [Villette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/vii-villette) Called by Madame Beck to read Lucy's physiognomy; gives an ambiguous but favorable opinion. ### [XIV: The Fête](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xiv-the-f-te) M. Paul directs the vaudeville, forces Lucy to act, and later becomes kind and social, insisting on dancing. ### [XV: The Long Vacation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xv-the-long-vacation) Professor of literature; jealous of Lucy's role in the English examination but later reconciles and offers friendship. ### [The Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xix-the-cleopatra) Professor at the school; confronts Lucy in the gallery, criticizes her for looking at the Cleopatra, and lectures her on feminine modesty and duty. ### [The Hôtel Crécy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxvii-the-h-tel-cr-cy) M. Paul displays jealousy and anger toward Dr. John, insulting Lucy in a hissing outburst. Later, he apologizes and seeks reconciliation, showing a softer, repentant side. ### [XXVIII: The Watchguard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxviii-the-watchguard) Shows his volatile temper during lessons, his unexpected clemency after Lucy breaks his spectacles, and his passionate style during evening readings. ### [Monsieur's Fête](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxix-monsieur-s-f-te) M. Paul is hurt by Lucy's apparent neglect on his fête day, but later accepts her gift and expresses a desire for friendship, hinting at deeper feelings. ### [XXX: M. Paul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxx-m-paul) Portrayed as irritable, jealous, and domineering, with a Napoleonic temperament; engages in a bitter feud with Madame Panache and exerts both harshness and kindness toward Lucy. ### [XXXI: The Dryad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxi-the-dryad) Joins Lucy in the garden at dusk; discusses the legend of the nun's ghost and his own sightings; reveals his habit of secret surveillance from the attic; asserts a deep affinity with Lucy. ### [M. Paul Keeps His Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxiii-m-paul-keeps-his-promise) Organizes the breakfast outing, shows his generous and playful side, tells a story, and seeks Lucy out later, only to be thwarted by her flight. ### [Malevola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxiv-malevola) M. Paul is the devoted suitor of the late Justine Marie, supporting her grandmother Madame Walravens and her family out of charity; he is described as constant and self-sacrificing. ### [XXXV: Fraternity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxv-fraternity) M. Paul is the subject of Lucy's thoughts; he reveals his humble living conditions and discusses his past with Justine Marie. ### [XXXVI: The Apple of Discord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-apple-of-discord) Struggles with his feelings for Lucy and the warnings from Père Silas; engages in a theological debate with her. ### [Cloud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxviii-cloud) Visits the school to say farewell but is intercepted by Madame Beck, preventing him from seeing Lucy. ### [Old and New Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xxxix-old-and-new-acquaintance) M. Emanuel is revealed to have delayed his voyage on the Antigua, choosing instead to sail later on the Paul et Virginie, and is seen in affectionate company with Justine Marie Sauveur. ### [XLI: Faubourg Clotilde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xli-faubourg-clotilde) M. Paul proposes to Lucy, departs for a voyage, and later returns to surprise her with a school. He demonstrates deep affection and practical care. ### [Finis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/chapters/xlii-finis) Lucy's beloved; away for three years in the West Indies, sends faithful letters, and is expected back in autumn. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/characters/m_paul_emanuel - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/villette_se/characters