Character Relationship Map: Mumu

Characters

• Mumu (played by Sylvie Testud) — protagonist
• Roger (played by Balthazar Dejean de la Bâtie) — supporting
• Monsieur le curé (played by Jean-François Balmer) — supporting
• Père de Roger (played by Dominique Pinon) — supporting
• Perchard (played by Valentin Ferey) — supporting
• Mère de Roger (played by Prune Lichtle) — supporting
• L'institutrice des filles (played by Amandine Chauveau) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Perchard → Monsieur le curé (Professional Student And Caretaker) — Their connection is defined by the school's supervisory structure.

  Perchard attends the church school where Monsieur le curé has responsibility for the pupils, and Perchard participates in the outing that Monsieur le...

• Père de Roger → Mère de Roger (Family Spouse) — They jointly occupy the parental role, although the plot emphasizes Roger's troubled relationship with his father.

  The plot refers to Père de Roger and Mère de Roger together as Roger's parents when discussing his schooling and their visits.

• Mumu → Roger (Power Supervisor) — Mumu represents an authority figure whose discovery could bring consequences for Roger.

  Roger remains worried that Mumu might discover the boys' mischief.

• Mère de Roger → Roger (Family Mother) — Roger remains emotionally attached to his mother despite her absence.

  Roger defends his mother at school and later breaks down because his parents rarely visit him.

• Père de Roger → Roger (Family Father) — A deeply strained father-son relationship marked by rejection and violence.

  The plot identifies Père de Roger as Roger's father. He loses his temper and strikes Roger when Roger protests being sent away.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Roger → L'institutrice des filles (Conflict Adversary) — Their conflict centers on Roger's disobedience and her enforcement of school responsibility.

  After Roger and Perchard take two girls away, L'institutrice des filles angrily searches for them and condemns Roger for betraying the school's trust.

• Roger → Monsieur le curé (Alliance Protector) — Monsieur le curé becomes Roger's principal source of guidance and emotional support.

  Monsieur le curé comforts Roger after his emotional breakdown, questions him privately, asks for a promise instead of severely punishing him, and offe...

• Roger → Perchard (Alliance Companion) — A mischievous school companionship built through shared adventures.

  Roger and Perchard exchange stories, wrestle, swim in the river, and later go into town and take two girls away during an outing.

Story Analysis

A troubled boy searches for belonging and understanding after being rejected at home and repeatedly disciplined at school.

Plot Progression

1. A Child Sent Away — Roger is expelled again and rejected by his parents as a disruptive child. After his father strikes him, he is placed under Monsieur le curé's care at a church school.
2. Mischief And Friendship — Roger struggles with discipline but forms a close companionship with Perchard. Their stories, wrestling, and river adventures strengthen their bond while exposing Roger to danger.
3. Longing Behind Routine — Lessons, shopping, meals, and rehearsals reveal the ordinary life of the religious community. Roger's emotional collapse exposes his pain over parental absence and perceived family favoritism.
4. The Forbidden Outing — Roger and Perchard take two girls away during an outing, causing a panicked search. Once found, Roger is condemned for betraying the trust placed in him.
5. An Uncertain Homecoming — Monsieur le curé questions Roger but chooses a promise over severe punishment. He reveals that Roger will remain at school during Easter and offers companionship while trying to contact the parents.