Raoul Descoteaux

***Full Name:*** Raoul Descoteaux

***Birthdate:*** September 15th, 1952

***Age:*** 57

***Gender:*** Male

***Height:*** 6'0

***Weight:*** 153 pounds

***Hair Color:*** Dull black

***Eye Color:*** Blue

***Species:*** Human

***Alias:*** Raoul

***Family Members:*** Gisèle Descoteaux (wife)

Fantine Descoteaux (daughter, deceased)

Achille Descoteaux (grandson)

***Occupation:*** Senior audit manager

***Residence:*** Ghoulsby, Massachusetts

Paris, France (formerly)

***Abilities:*** Management

Scheduling

Auditing

***Status:*** Alive

***Quote:***

> “Are we so sure this Dobrev person isn’t a ghost?” Raoul Descoteaux questioned from the living room. “Dobrev sounds like a pretty made-up name to me.” *-Raoul teasing his grandson in Chapter 7*
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**Raoul Descoteaux** is a reoccurring character in the novel *DOBREV*. He is the legal guardian and grandfather of Achille Descoteaux, as well as the wife of Gisèle Descoteaux and father of the late Fantine Descoteaux. Raoul works as a senior audit manager in Ghoulsby, and previously lived in Paris, France.

### Early Life

Raoul was born in France on September 15th, 1952; he lived there until meeting his wife, Gisèle, eventually having a daughter with her and settling down in Ghoulsby, Massachusetts. When Dobrev Reign has dinner at the Descoteaux's, Raoul talks about his "wild days" spent roaming Paris, and shows an interest in the French Revolution. Since Raoul now works as a senior auditor, it can be assumed he went to college at one point or another in his earlier years.

### Appearance

Raoul stands a few inches taller than his wife, has black hair that has dulled in shine over the years, and is usually seen wearing mild-colored business attire. Instead of having light green eyes like Gisèle and Achille Descoteaux, Raoul's eyes are a shade of blue, making him resemble his daughter, Fantine more, since her eyes were bluish green. He also has a thick French accent, despite not having lived permanently in France for over thirty years, and can usually be seen wearing business clothing.

### Personality

Raoul has a laid-back and casual personality, something he shares with his grandson, Achille. He is rarely ever seen stressed or angry, always speaking fondly to his family and lightly teasing them whenever given the opportunity. Dobrev notes that Raoul is just as kind as his wife and grandson, and doesn't seem very serious or traditional, given his table manners when Dobrev came over to eat with the Descoteaux family. He cares deeply about Achille, asking questions about his day, offering medical help and clever remarks to amuse his grandson.

### Relationships

**Family**

**Gisèle Descoteaux**

Raoul and Gisèle met while they still lived in France, and have been married for over thirty-five years. They maintained a healthy, supportive relationship over that time, having one daughter together, whom they raised in Ghoulsby, Massachusetts. Along with their grandson, the pair can be seen attending operas and shows. Raoul enjoys teasing his wife from time to time, sometimes suggestively, which usually results in him being interrupted or chided by Gisèle.

Following the suicide of their daughter, Fantine, the couple presumably became closer through the tragedy, and immediately decided to take custody of their beloved grandson Achille to raise him as their own.

**Fantine Descoteaux**

There are little details in the novel referencing Raoul's relationship with his daughter, but judging on his bond with Achille, it is likely that Raoul loved Fantine very much; he raised her in Ghoulsby along with his wife until Fantine graduated high school, at which point her parents allowed her to move back to Paris, France. Raoul most likely felt enormous guilt over this decision, judging on the poor quality of life Fantine fell into while living there. When she gave birth to a son, Achille, Raoul was overjoyed, and loved it when his daughter sent them photographs of the young boy.

Raoul was horrified and saddened when he heard that his only child had committed suicide, but immediately stepped in to take custody of Achille and raise him in Ghoulsby. Achille's grandfather once asks him if he has seen his mother in ghostly form recently, to which Achille answers that he hasn't. Raoul likely misses his daughter greatly, but doesn't press the subject because of its sensitivity.

**Achille Descoteaux**

Raoul has a warm, teasing bond with his only grandchild; they are most often seen bickering with each other, though never seriously, and often keep secrets from Gisèle to keep her from becoming frustrated with their lack of self-preservation. He is always interested in what Achille has to say, inquires about his day, and even seems comfortable discussing Achille's clairvoyant abilities. Although Raoul doesn't worry about his grandson as much as his wife, he does seem to worry about him from time to time, such as when Achille rolls his ankle while skateboarding and breaks his collarbone during his final confrontation with Lila.

Raoul encourages Achille's punk fashion and adrenaline-seeking hobbies, unbothered by his frequent crossdressing and romantic preferences like many people from his generation normally are.

> “It’s *our* job to take care of *you*, Achille.”
> “I know, but I can pay you back here and there. After all, I’m the reason you two aren’t off on a cruise somewhere enjoying your retirement.” *-Achille and Raoul bickering in Chapter 8*
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**Others**

**Dobrev Reign**

Raoul is very fond of Achille's friend, Dobrev Reign, remarking that he hopes the younger boy has more of a positive influence on Achille than the skater boy has had on him. He thinks Dobrev is sweet and kind, and wonders if the rest of his family is the same. Raoul seems to enjoy talking to Dobrev during their dinner together, talking about a wide range of subjects to keep Dobrev's mind occupied; it is likely that Raoul knows about his grandson's crush on the boy, since Achille tells them (almost) everything that goes on in his life.

### Trivia

-The name *Raoul* is the French variation of *Ralph*, and means "wolf counsel."

-Raoul was born in France, but has lived in Massachusetts for the past thirty-five years with his wife

-Achille says he is his grandparent's favorite grandchild (because he is their only grandchild)

-Raoul tells Dobrev Reign that he had a "wild" life when he was younger and lived in Paris

-He is a fan of jazz music