Les Tontons flingueurs
Crooks in Clover - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Fernand Naudin
Lino Ventura
Motivation
He is motivated solely by his promise to his dying friend, the Mexican. He has no desire for power but feels bound by a code of honor to protect Patricia and the business.
Character Arc
Fernand starts as a settled businessman who wants nothing to do with crime. He is dragged back in by duty, proves he is tougher than all the current bosses combined, and ultimately secures Patricia's future before (presumably) returning to his quiet life.
Raoul Volfoni
Bernard Blier
Motivation
Greed and jealousy. He feels entitled to the Mexican's empire and is insulted that an outsider like Fernand was chosen over him.
Character Arc
Raoul begins as an arrogant rival believing he deserves the throne. After repeated failures and beatings, he essentially becomes a comic relief sidekick, begrudgingly respecting Fernand's authority.
Maître Folace
Francis Blanche
Motivation
Order and legality within illegality. He cares about the books balancing and the organization running smoothly, regardless of who is in charge.
Character Arc
The notary serves as the narrator and guide to the criminal underworld's finances. He remains constant, transitioning his loyalty from the Mexican to Fernand without skipping a beat.
Patricia
Sabine Sinjen
Motivation
Freedom and amusement. She wants to live her life without the interference of her father's "associates."
Character Arc
She goes from a spoiled, manipulative teenager who tries to play the gangsters against each other to a young bride, seemingly settling down with her quirky fiancé Antoine.