Claude decide to live vicariously through Nicolas, treating him like a character in a real-life novel. Under Claude's precise guidance, the formerly "sheepish" Nicolas transforms into a calculated social climber and seducer. He systematically beds influential women and maneuvers through business deals to achieve immense wealth and power in Parisian society, eventually becoming the editor of a tabloid. Key Cast and Characters The film features an ensemble of prominent European stars:
as Claude Fabre, the cynical mastermind behind Nicolas's rise. Claude decide to live vicariously through Nicolas, treating
The story follows (Jean-Louis Trintignant), a shy and unassuming bank clerk resigned to a life of social mediocrity. His life changes when he reunites with a former high school friend, Claude Fabre (Jean-Pierre Cassel), a disillusioned and physically disabled novelist. Key Cast and Characters The film features an
as Nicolas Mallet, the "sheep" turned opportunistic social climber. as Nicolas Mallet, the "sheep" turned opportunistic social