raisonneur

[ rez-uh-nur; French re-zaw-nœr ]

noun

, plural rai·son·neurs [rez-, uh, -, nurz, r, e-zaw-, nœr].

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of raisonneur¹

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

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

"The result of all this free education," you will be told by a certain type of elderly raisonneur.

From Project Gutenberg