Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside

As the protagonist of the novel, Benoît Courrèges, universally known as Bruno, functions as the guardian of the small town of St. Denis. He is a round and largely static character whose values of community, tradition, and nuanced justice are tested throughout the novel but ultimately reaffirmed. As the municipal police chief, his professional identity is deeply intertwined with his personal life, positioning him as the primary vehicle for Walker’s thematic exploration of The Importance of Preserving Cultural Identity and Heritage. Bruno’s defining attribute is his role as a protector of the St. Denis way of life. He prioritizes the well-being of his community over the rigid enforcement of state laws. For example, he establishes an “early-warning system” (10) to help local market vendors avoid fines from European Union hygiene inspectors, an act that frames him as a defender of local gastronomic culture and economic survival against bureaucratic overreach.

Walker reinforces Bruno’s commitment to St. Denis through his deep love of local gastronomy and respect for its terroir. His van contains not just police equipment but also eggs from his hens, garden peas, tennis rackets, and a picnic hamper, suggesting that his role in the village encompasses a broader stewardship of the community’s social fabric beyond his position in law enforcement.