Pierre Character Analysis

Pierre was Sanxi the elder’s brother and Martin’s uncle. He moved to Artigat with the family and also changed his name to “Guerre.” Pierre was loyal and committed to the welfare of the Guerre family. After Martin’s abandonment and the death of his parents, Pierre took on the status of head of the family. He married the widowed mother of Bertrande de Rols, Martin’s wife, thus allowing him to provide for Martin’s family. At the same time, however, he could also be stubborn and controlling. When the impostor Arnaud (as “Martin”) asked to see the accounts of the elder Sanxi, Pierre reacted with great anger and became convinced that the new “Martin” was not who he said he was. In retaliation, he brought a lawsuit against Arnaud. He forced Bertrande to testify in the suit by threatening to throw her out of the house, although she maintained that Arnaud was her true husband. This demonstrates his willingness to use his power as head of the family to try to control and dominate other family members. After the trial—in which Martin returned and proved that Arnaud was an impostor—Pierre remained close with his nephew, since Davis notes that their names appear together on contracts and in lawsuits.