The story in one page
Cyrano, a brilliant swordsman and poet, keeps his distance from his cousin Roxane because he is convinced his prominent nose renders him unlovable. When Roxane falls for the handsome but tongue-tied cadet Christian, she asks Cyrano to look out for him. Cyrano channels his own passion into letters and speeches for Christian, effectively courting Roxane on his rival's behalf. This arrangement binds the three of them in a complicated web of secrets and combat. As war breaks out and life-altering revelations loom, the poet maintains his charade, sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of Roxane's comfort until the very end.
Who's who
- Cyrano
A poet and soldier with an enormous, self-conscious nose.
- Roxane
A sharp-witted woman who values intelligence and poetic beauty.
- Christian de Neuvillette
A handsome young cadet who lacks the wit to woo.
- Le Bret
Cyrano’s steadfast friend and the guardian of his secrets.
What it's really about
- Panache
- A defiant, stylish, and bold approach to total defeat.
- The Unspoken
- Love hidden behind the mask of someone else's face.
Why it's memorable
- A duel fought entirely in the length of a rhymed poem.
- A balcony scene where the wrong man speaks the lines.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Wounded and near death, Cyrano finally lets Roxane realize he was the one behind the letters. He passes away while swinging his sword at imaginary enemies, proud that he kept his integrity intact.
For your book club
- How much does a person owe to their own vanity?
- The utility of a sword in a room full of poets.