raisonneur

American  

[rez-uh-nur, re-zaw-nœr] / ˌrɛz əˈnɜr, rɛ zɔˈnœr /

noun

plural

raisonneurs

1. a character in a play, novel, or the like who voices the central theme, philosophy, or point of view of the work.

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Etymology

Origin of raisonneur

1900–05; < French: literally, one who reasons or argues, equivalent to raisonn ( er ) to reason, argue + -eur -eur

Example Sentences

As the central character, comic relief, raisonneur and raison d'�tre of Bernard Slade's play Tribute, Scottie kept the jokes flowing as his world collapsed like a burlesque banana's baggy pants.

From Time Magazine Archive

The sculptor is a formidable bore, the antique raisonneur of French drama, preaching at every pore every chance he has.

From Ivory Apes and Peacocks by Huneker, James

Since I was lugged, even as a sort of raisonneur, into their little drama, I may be pardoned for some curiosity as to development.

From The Mountebank by Locke, William John

In every comedy the one ungrateful part is that of the raisonneur.

From Jean-Christophe Journey's End by Cannan, Gilbert

Do you figure Basil Randolph, alongside his portière, as but the observer, the raisonneur, in this narrative?

From Bertram Cope's Year by Fuller, Henry Blake