TV-Series
Description
Bernard is a passionate and committed newspaper reporter for the radical publication Le Vieux Cordelier, living in Paris during the years leading up to the French Revolution. Born in 1760, his early life was marked by a traumatic event that forged his deep-seated hatred for the aristocracy. At the age of five, Bernard was rejected by his father, a nobleman, after which his devastated mother attempted to take both their lives; she died, but he survived. This childhood tragedy left him to grow up in profound poverty and instilled in him a belief that the nobility is fundamentally evil and responsible for the suffering of the common people.
Driven by this rigid, black-and-white worldview and a burning desire for justice, Bernard leads a double life as the mysterious Black Knight. Under this guise, he steals from the wealthy aristocrats to support the poor, becoming a symbol of resistance against an oppressive system. His activities eventually bring him into direct conflict with Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, the commander of the Royal Guard. During a confrontation, Bernard inflicts a serious injury on Oscar's loyal aide, Andre, slashing his mask and eye in a struggle that contributes to Andre's eventual blindness. Bernard is ultimately captured by Oscar, but in a pivotal moment, Oscar chooses not to turn him over to the authorities. Having witnessed the harsh realities of commoner life, Oscar releases Bernard on the condition that he ends his thieving activities. Demonstrating a complex sense of honor, Oscar even entrusts the safety of Rosalie Lamorliere to him.
The relationship between Bernard and Rosalie is one of his most significant personal connections. Initially brought together under Oscar's protection, they grow close as Rosalie nurses him back to health from his injuries. Their bond, forged through shared hardship and the memory of lost mothers, deepens into love, and they eventually marry. Even after their marriage, Rosalie retains a deep admiration for Oscar, which can be a source of mild jealousy for Bernard. Politically, Bernard is aligned with the revolutionary ideals of figures like Robespierre, and he works alongside other revolutionaries such as Alain de Soissons. He is a skilled orator and writer, using his fiery speeches and articles to galvanize the public and organize civil unrest as the revolution approaches.
While Bernard channels his hatred of the nobility into revolutionary action, his radical views are challenged through his interactions with Oscar, who embodies an honorable exception to his otherwise absolute condemnation of aristocrats. He remains committed to his cause through the fall of the monarchy. Bernard’s story continues beyond the main events of the revolution. In the sequel series Glorious Napoleon – Eroica, he is depicted living a married life with Rosalie. However, his revolutionary principles ultimately lead to his tragic end; disillusioned with Napoleon Bonaparte's ambition to become emperor, Bernard and Alain conspire to assassinate him. The attempt fails, and Bernard is executed by firing squad.
Driven by this rigid, black-and-white worldview and a burning desire for justice, Bernard leads a double life as the mysterious Black Knight. Under this guise, he steals from the wealthy aristocrats to support the poor, becoming a symbol of resistance against an oppressive system. His activities eventually bring him into direct conflict with Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, the commander of the Royal Guard. During a confrontation, Bernard inflicts a serious injury on Oscar's loyal aide, Andre, slashing his mask and eye in a struggle that contributes to Andre's eventual blindness. Bernard is ultimately captured by Oscar, but in a pivotal moment, Oscar chooses not to turn him over to the authorities. Having witnessed the harsh realities of commoner life, Oscar releases Bernard on the condition that he ends his thieving activities. Demonstrating a complex sense of honor, Oscar even entrusts the safety of Rosalie Lamorliere to him.
The relationship between Bernard and Rosalie is one of his most significant personal connections. Initially brought together under Oscar's protection, they grow close as Rosalie nurses him back to health from his injuries. Their bond, forged through shared hardship and the memory of lost mothers, deepens into love, and they eventually marry. Even after their marriage, Rosalie retains a deep admiration for Oscar, which can be a source of mild jealousy for Bernard. Politically, Bernard is aligned with the revolutionary ideals of figures like Robespierre, and he works alongside other revolutionaries such as Alain de Soissons. He is a skilled orator and writer, using his fiery speeches and articles to galvanize the public and organize civil unrest as the revolution approaches.
While Bernard channels his hatred of the nobility into revolutionary action, his radical views are challenged through his interactions with Oscar, who embodies an honorable exception to his otherwise absolute condemnation of aristocrats. He remains committed to his cause through the fall of the monarchy. Bernard’s story continues beyond the main events of the revolution. In the sequel series Glorious Napoleon – Eroica, he is depicted living a married life with Rosalie. However, his revolutionary principles ultimately lead to his tragic end; disillusioned with Napoleon Bonaparte's ambition to become emperor, Bernard and Alain conspire to assassinate him. The attempt fails, and Bernard is executed by firing squad.