Vincent Jouve and François Mauriac: Cross-examined Views on the Character

Abstract

Vincent Jouve’s tripartite model of the literary character, i.e., the “lisant,” the “lectant,” and the “lu”, provides a useful framework for analysing Mauriac’s approach to characterisation. Mauriac, following in the tradition of Jouve, invites the reader to actively participate in the creation of meaning. Through his vivid portrayal of Thérèse Desqueyroux, Mauriac demonstrates how a character can be both a product of the author’s imagination and a catalyst for the reader’s own interpretive journey. By focusing on the “lisant,” Mauriac encourages readers to engage with the text on an emotional and intellectual level, shaping their own understanding of the character and her experiences.