Character Catalog

Major novel of the 18th century, telling the story of the tragic love between the Chevalier Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. This work is part of the French baccalaureate curriculum and explores the conflicts between passion and morality.

Historical work combining romance and scholarship, demonstrating Abbé Prévost's talents as a historian. Exemplary of his literary approach to history.

A collection of moral tales and narratives exploring human psychology and ethical dilemmas. Reflects the author's philosophical thinking on human nature.

Monumental compilation of around twenty volumes chronicling the great voyages and geographical discoveries. A major editorial undertaking that popularized knowledge of the world.

A series of seven volumes including notably the story of the adventures of the Chevalier Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. A foundational work that established Prévost's literary reputation.

A philosophical novel in six volumes exploring the travels and reflections of an English thinker. Demonstrates Prévost's engagement in the Enlightenment debate on morality and freedom.

I was at once an honest man and an unhappy one. Various upheavals, which befell my fortune and my inclinations, caused me to alternate almost without respite between virtue and vice, between the best and the worst moral situations.

It is a constant truth that love, when it is violent and passionate, confounds all principles and overturns all duties.

History must instruct us not only in facts, but in the customs and characters of the peoples we discover.

I always strive to paint the human heart truthfully, without fear of showing its weaknesses and contradictions.

Birthplace of Abbé Prévost in 1697. It is in this town in northern France that Antoine François Prévost d'Exiles was born, who would become one of the great novelists of the 18th century.

Centre of intellectual life where Prévost pursued his literary and ecclesiastical activities. It was in Paris that he published his major works, including 'Manon Lescaut', and where he moved in the learned circles of the Enlightenment.

Monastery where Prévost resided and carried out his duties as a clergyman. This place represents his dual life between ecclesiastical obligations and his calling as a writer.

Another important site in his monastic journey in Normandy, where Prévost lived the life of a Benedictine before turning increasingly towards literature.

City where Prévost voluntarily went into exile to escape troubles in France. He stayed there and published some of his works, including additions to 'Manon Lescaut'.

Prestigious monastic centre where Prévost was called to hold ecclesiastical positions, illustrating his path through the great religious institutions of the kingdom.

Essential writing instrument of the 18th century used by Abbé Prévost to compose his novels and historical works. Symbol of literary production during the Age of Enlightenment.

Container holding the ink required for writing manuscripts. A typical piece of writing furniture found on the desk of an Enlightenment-era writer.

Religious garment worn by Abbé Prévost as a man of the Church. Symbolizes the character's clerical status and the ambivalence between his religious duties and his worldly preoccupations.

Printed and bound volume characteristic of 18th-century literature. Represents the published works of Abbé Prévost, most notably 'Manon Lescaut', which became a classic of French literature.

Place of prayer and spiritual retreat associated with Abbé Prévost's religious life. Symbolizes the conflict between his clerical vocation and his literary interests.

Autograph document bearing the writer's corrections and annotations. Attests to the compositional and revision work behind Abbé Prévost's novels.

Headwear worn indoors by men of letters in the 18th century. A typical accessory of the domestic dress of writers of the period.