Hélène’s eldest child and one of her three heirs, Frédéric lives in Paris and is troubled by how readily his siblings agree to sell the family home. He argues for preserving the house and its contents as a place for future family gatherings. He also faces a separate family worry involving a young girl caught stealing clothes and found with drugs.
Richard is Michèle's former husband. Michèle initially mistakes him for the threatening man outside her house and pepper-sprays him, but he was actually checking on her safety. His appearance highlights Michèle's distrust and isolation, while their past relationship remains part of the troubled personal life she is trying to reassess.
Martin is a writer and academic whose detachment, despair, and thoughts of death dominate the film. Separated from his wife, he abandons teaching and struggles to write, while becoming obsessively attached to Cécilia. His jealousy over her former lover Meyers and her contact with Momo intensifies his emotional withdrawal and suspicion.
Young, naive aristocrat and engineer who devises a scheme to drain the Dombes marshes to aid peasants. Seeks King Louis XVI's support, learns of court corruption, falls for Mathilde, sleeps with Madame de Blayac for access, kills a cannoneer in a duel, endures public ridicule, condemns decadence, and ultimately completes his project with his wife.
The judge who receives anonymous material and a CD concerning the Taiwan frigates affair. He examines alleged links between secret accounts, arms deals, and political financing, while awaiting evidence from abroad. His investigation intersects with Denis Robert’s reporting and contributes to the case expanding across national borders.
Émilie and the late Rémy's father. A crude, alcoholic factory worker known for his loudmouthed behavior. He violently executes the neighbor's dog, Ulysse, after it is struck by a car. Years later, he becomes Antoine's father-in-law.
Intelligence associate involved in the logistical and bureaucratic coordination of the operation. Provides backing for cover identities and mission parameters.
A guest who quickly forms a close and intimate connection with Frédéric. He discusses work, dreams, loneliness, and identity with him, recognizes the fragility beneath Frédéric’s public persona, and questions his fear of losing control.
Jacques is Marianne’s husband and the father of Aude and Julien. He faces an indefinite period of unemployment while trying to respond to the growing crisis at home. He is questioned about the babysitter’s behavior and later challenges Marianne’s plan to abandon the apartment, becoming the main counterpoint to her increasingly urgent fears.
A colleague at Erwan's trading firm who questions cautious forecasts while employees face pressure to meet annual targets. His skepticism forms part of the firm's debate over risk, as Erwan argues for a bold billion-dollar market bet. The summary does not say whether Georges ultimately supports or opposes the trade.
Jérôme is Nelly’s unemployed husband, who has stopped looking for work. His lack of income contributes to the couple’s six-month rent arrears, and after accepting Arnaud’s gift to settle the debt, Nelly leaves the marriage.
Pierre is Élisabeth’s husband, a university professor, and Vincent’s more liberal brother-in-law. He argues intensely with Vincent over the proposed name, appears snobbish and condescending, and later confesses to a childhood wrongdoing for which Vincent accepted blame. Élisabeth also confronts him about hypocrisy and domestic neglect.
Charles Berling has 98 screen credits in a career dating back to 1982. Their work is anchored in the Aux origines de l'humanité universe with 1 titles. Signature works include It Boy, Summer Hours, L'ennui. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
