The 400 Blows - Characters & Cast

Antoine is primarily motivated by a deep-seated desire for affection, recognition, and freedom from the oppressive environments of his home and school. He acts out to escape his cramped, loveless apartment and the rigid, unfair discipline he faces. He lies because he believes the truth won't be believed anyway. Ultimately, he craves the liberty to simply be himself.

Antoine begins as a mischievous but not malicious boy who feels misunderstood and neglected. His acts of rebellion escalate from skipping school to petty theft in a downward spiral driven by the indifference and hostility of the adults around him. Rather than being reformed by the system, he is further alienated, culminating in his escape from the youth detention center. His arc is not one of maturation in the traditional sense, but of a desperate flight towards an uncertain freedom, ending in a state of limbo.

Gilberte is motivated by self-interest and a desire to live her own life without the encumbrance of a son she never wanted. Her actions are driven by impatience and resentment. She is more concerned with her affair and her personal freedom than with Antoine's well-being.

Gilberte's character remains largely static. She is portrayed as selfish, resentful, and distracted by her own desires, including an extramarital affair. It's revealed she considered having an abortion and seems to view Antoine as a burden. Her treatment of him alternates between fleeting moments of kindness (when she feels guilty) and harsh indifference. Her final act is to wash her hands of him completely, telling him at the youth center that she and his stepfather are giving up custody.

Julien is motivated by a desire for an easy life. He enjoys the fun aspects of having a family but is unwilling to handle the responsibilities of raising a troubled child. His passion lies more with his racing club than with his family duties. When things become difficult, his motivation shifts to removing the problem—Antoine—from his life.

Julien is initially shown as more friendly and playful with Antoine than Gilberte is. However, his good humor is superficial. He lacks the patience and commitment to be a true father figure. As Antoine's troubles escalate, Julien's initial warmth gives way to exasperation and detachment. He is the one who ultimately takes Antoine to the police station, and by the end, he fully agrees to relinquish responsibility for the boy.

René is motivated by friendship and a shared sense of adventure and rebellion against the adult world. He supports Antoine's schemes and offers him a place to stay, acting as the only person who consistently shows him loyalty.

René is Antoine's steadfast best friend and partner in truancy. He comes from a wealthier but equally neglectful family. He provides Antoine with companionship and a temporary refuge when Antoine runs away from home. His arc is minimal, but he serves as a crucial source of support and solidarity for Antoine, representing the only positive, peer-level relationship in his life. His attempt to visit Antoine at the reform school, which is denied, highlights the system's cruelty.