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Deputy
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Paul Barrass

ambitious calculating manipulative guarded strategic
Paul Barrass holds the position of deputy in the French National Convention amid the Reign of Terror. He orchestrates a conspiracy to overthrow Robespierre, convening secret meetings at sites like The Sinking Ship and recruiting allies such as Napoleon Bonaparte with promises of power in a new triumvirate government. His efforts target the Committee of Public Safety through calculated alliances and constitutional reforms. Ambitious and elusive, Barrass navigates factional rivalries, leveraging others' ambitions while guarding his own plans.
15 appearances
French Revolutionary Politics
Also known as: Deputy Paul Barrass, Barrass

Paul Barrass's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

15 moments
S1E41 · A Bargain of Necessity
Robespierre reveals indictment plot to LeMaitre

Unseen but inferred to be calculating and confident, moving pieces behind the scenes to challenge Robespierre’s authority. His actions are driven by a desire to seize power, though his true motivations remain ambiguous.

Deputy Paul Barrass is not physically present in the scene but is the central figure of Robespierre’s suspicions. His name is invoked as the suspected leader of the conspiracy against …

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S1E41 · A Bargain of Necessity
Robespierre orders LeMaitre to expose Barrass

Not directly observable, but inferred as cunning and calculating. Robespierre’s paranoia suggests that Barrass is a masterful manipulator, using the shadows of the Revolution to advance his own agenda.

Deputy Paul Barrass is not physically present in the scene but is the central figure of Robespierre’s accusations. His name is invoked as the suspected leader of the conspiracy, and …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Stirling reveals true identity and mission

Fearful and isolated (implied); her captivity is a source of desperation for the group, amplifying their urgency.

Susan is referenced only indirectly as a pawn in Stirling’s leverage, her imprisonment looming over the group’s decisions. Though physically absent, her captivity is the emotional catalyst for the mission, …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Stirling reveals his true mission

Supportive and determined, with a calm confidence in his ability to navigate the dangers of the mission. His emotional state is one of quiet resolve, focused on ensuring the group’s success.

Jules volunteers to escort Ian and Barbara to The Sinking Ship, providing directions and assuring Stirling of his ability to handle the operation. His role as a local ally and …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Stirling reveals his true identity and mission

N/A (off-screen, but her imagined fear and isolation amplify the group’s resolve).

Susan is mentioned as Stirling’s captive, held in the Conciergerie prison as leverage to ensure the Doctor’s cooperation. Though physically absent, her imprisonment is the driving force behind the group’s …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Barbara and Jules Wait for Barrass

Not directly observable, but inferred as calculated and deliberate, given the speculation about his motives.

Barrass is discussed but not physically present, his delayed arrival creating a palpable sense of tension. Jules and Barbara speculate that he may be waiting for the inn to close, …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Barbara discovers the bar’s hidden mechanism

Not directly observable, but inferred as tense or calculating given the group’s urgency and the high stakes of the mission.

Paul Barrass is referenced in dialogue as a potential conspirator whose arrival is being anticipated. His timing—whether he arrives before the inn closes—is a point of speculation, highlighting his role …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Ian impersonates Jacques to lure Barrass

Suspicious but cooperative, with an underlying tension that suggests he is acutely aware of the dangers of his position.

Paul Barrass enters The Sinking Ship with a mix of wariness and authority, questioning Ian’s identity as Jacques. His skepticism is palpable, though he ultimately follows Ian to the private …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Barbara Probes Barrass Undercover

Guarded and evasive, with a sense of controlled authority. His emotional state is one of cautious vigilance, betraying little but suggesting he is acutely aware of the stakes.

Paul Barrass sits in the back room of The Sinking Ship, his demeanor guarded and his responses measured. He orders wine from Barbara, who he assumes is a server, but …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Barrass secures Napoleon’s private meeting

Confidently in control, with an undercurrent of urgency—he knows the stakes and is determined to sway Napoleon.

Paul Barrass initiates the clandestine meeting with Napoleon Bonaparte, his tone laced with calculated warmth as he greets the General. His body language is controlled, exuding confidence, while his dialogue …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Barrass secures Napoleon’s coup support

Calculating and self-assured, with a subtle undercurrent of impatience to secure Napoleon’s commitment.

Paul Barrass stands with an air of quiet confidence in the dimly lit back room, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He speaks with measured precision, his voice low but clear, …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Napoleon’s conditional coup alliance

Calculating and in control, with a undercurrent of impatience—he needs Napoleon’s public face, but he won’t tolerate hesitation for long.

Paul Barrass dominates the dimly lit backroom with the poise of a chess master moving his final pieces. He leans slightly forward, his voice a measured blend of persuasion and …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Napoleon’s Conditional Alliance

Calculating and slightly impatient, with an undercurrent of desperation to secure Napoleon’s commitment.

Paul Barrass dominates the dimly lit backroom, his voice low and measured as he lays out the coup’s details to Napoleon. He leans forward slightly, his body language a mix …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Stirling splits the group over Susan’s rescue

Not applicable (absent), but her presence is felt as a source of urgency, guilt, and determination—her captivity is the group’s shared wound.

Though Susan is absent from the scene, her captivity is the emotional and narrative fulcrum around which the group’s actions revolve. She is referenced repeatedly—Stirling’s ‘She’s only part of it,’ …

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S1E42 · Prisoners of Conciergerie
Divided Loyalties in the Revolution

Fearful and isolated (implied), though her resilience is a driving force for the group’s determination. The group’s tension reflects their shared concern for her safety.

Susan is referenced as the primary motivation for the Doctor’s actions, her captivity serving as leverage for Stirling’s cooperation. Though not physically present, her absence looms large over the scene, …

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Affiliations

Barrass's Conspirators (Including Napoleon)
leader
Anti-Robespierre Conspiracy and Overthrow Plotting

Paul Barrass leads a faction of conspirators, including Napoleon, seeking to overthrow Robespierre, solidifying his leadership role within the conspiracy.

Proposed Triumvirate Government (Barrass-Napoleon Conspiracy)
leader
Coup-Driven Transitional Consular Government

Paul Barrass spearheads the Proposed Triumvirate Government, planning the coup to replace Robespierre's regime.

Convention
member
Revolutionary Legislative Assembly and Political Intrigue

Paul Barrass holds the position of deputy within the French National Convention and actively participates in its political machinations.

Across the Seasons

How this character reads at season scale

Season 1 · planet

Paul Barrass holds the position of deputy in the French National Convention amid the Reign of Terror. He orchestrates a conspiracy to overthrow Robespierre, convening secret meetings at sites like The Sinking Ship and recruiting allies such as Napoleon Bonaparte with promises of power in a new triumvirate government. His efforts target the Committee of Public Safety through calculated alliances and constitutional reforms. Ambitious and elusive, Barrass navigates factional rivalries, leveraging others' ambitions while guarding his own plans.