Addison Dorey World Literature October 14, 2024 Light in the Darkness In the historical fiction novel, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emma Orczy, two prominent characters, Sir Percy Blakeney and Chauvelin, play crucial roles in the plot. Both characters exhibit distinct personalities, motivations, and moral compasses that set them apart from each other. Amidst reading the book, it is clear to see that big altercations can be brought about through big misunderstandings and unknown hurt, just as darkness is simply the absence of light. Sir Percy Blakeney, also known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, is the hero of the novel. He is portrayed as a wealthy English baronet who leads a secret mission to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine during the …show more content…
He embodies the ideals of chivalry, honor, and selflessness, making him a beloved figure among his followers and a thorn in the side of the French revolutionary government. Percy is similar to light in the darkness. The cut throat society of France and their ruthless revolution is a cold and dark place for the English who worry about their lives daily, and Sir Percy is the light that will shine and lead them out of the darkness. In contrast, Chauvelin is the primary antagonist of the novel, serving as a French revolutionary agent tasked with capturing the Scarlet Pimpernel. He is depicted as a cold, calculating, and ruthless man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Chauvelin is driven by his intense hatred for the aristocracy and his desire to uphold the principles of the revolution. Unlike Sir Percy, Chauvelin lacks any redeeming qualities or moral compass, making him a formidable adversary in the story. Chauvelin is one in the same with the darkness, he helps to promote the darkness and wants to snuff out the only strong light the English truly