Arsène Lupin

Gentleman Thief

French gentleman thief who appears in the novels of Maurice Leblanc. Grandfather of Lupin III, known for skillful disguises and wit. Also has a side as a righteous thief, active across the world.

Quotes

  • “I am the Cyrano de Bergerac of the thief world.”
  • “Disguise is not the face, but gestures and speech.”
  • “I steal for justice, the money of the strong.”
  • “Japan is an ancient, ancient land of mystery.”
  • “I am Lupin, the gentleman of stratagems.”

Trivia

  • In the original work, Lupin's disguises center on makeup and clothing, not full-face masks.
  • In Japan, known as the grandfather of Lupin III.
  • Depicted as pro-Japanese and proficient in judo.
  • Herlock Sholmes is a character parodying Sherlock Holmes' name.
  • Many adaptations and pastiches have been created worldwide.
  • Adapted into a musical by the Takarazuka Revue.

Alternate names

Arsène Lupin Lupin Gentleman Thief Lupin Raoul

Tags

Gentleman Thief Gentleman Detective Master of Disguise Affinity for Japan French Literature Pastiche Lupin III's Grandfather

Find Arsène Lupin goods

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
July 6
Birth year
1874

Appearance

Overall appearance
Appears in a gentlemanly figure, performing many disguises. Physical details vary by work, but generally black hair and well-groomed features. Appearance changes endlessly due to disguises.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Varied disguises
  • Handsome gentlemanly appearance
  • Diverse appearances due to disguise
Iconic items
  • Silk hat
  • Monocle
  • Tuxedo
  • Disguise tools
  • Jewels
  • Weapons

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Wit
Detailed personality
Bold and fearless gentleman thief full of adventurous spirit. Charms many women but is sincere and does not cheat. Also has a side as a righteous thief, possesses a sense of justice to punish villains and help the weak. Pro-Japanese and proficient in judo, etc. Excels in observation and acting skills.
Keywords
  • Fearless
  • Witty
  • Sense of Justice
  • Japanophile
  • Master of Disguise
  • Popular with Women
  • Righteous Thief
Motto
Cyrano de Bergerac of the thief world
Talents
  • Disguise
  • Observation
  • Escape artistry
  • Martial arts (Judo, Boxing)
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Language skills
Skills
  • Using aliases
  • Stealing treasures
  • Deciphering and code-breaking
  • Impersonation acting
  • Escape techniques
  • Negotiation and rhetoric
Motivation
As a righteous thief active for freedom and justice, punishing socially powerful villains.
Habits
Enjoys using various disguises to hide his identity. Sincere in romances with women, but many are tragic.
Favorite foods
French cuisine, Sweets
Hobbies
Disguise, Adventure, Deduction, Judo, Boxing
Favorite places
Paris, Japan, Mansions and museums around the world
Favorite colors
Black, Gentlemanly dark colors
Disliked situations
Abuse of power, Vicious criminals
Disliked foods
Poor meals

History

Backstory
Lost his father Theophrast Lupin in childhood and grew up supported by his mother Henriette. Deploys thief activities using acquired disguise techniques and martial arts like judo. Has many romances with women, but many are struck by misfortune. Began activities in the early 20th century, soaring around the world as the "Gentleman Thief". Also has faces as a detective and righteous thief, engaging in battles of wits with opposing police and rival detectives.
Debut date
January 1, 1905
Work title
The Arrest of Arsène Lupin
Media type
Novel
Episode or chapter
Chapter 1

First Appearance

Significant event
First Appearance
Description
First appeared in 1905 in a novel by Maurice Leblanc.

First Arrest

Significant event
First Arrest
Description
First arrested in 1905's 'The Arrest of Arsène Lupin'.

First Escape

Significant event
First Escape
Description
Imprisoned in 1900 but successfully escaped.

Confrontation with Sherlock Holmes

Significant event
Confrontation with Sherlock Holmes
Description
As Herlock Sholmes, confronts the parody protagonist of Sherlock Holmes several times.

Conquest of the Mauritania Empire

Significant event
Conquest of the Mauritania Empire
Description
Around 1912, conquered the Mauritania Empire and ascended as Sultan.

Participation in World War I

Significant event
Participation in World War I
Description
In 1915, involved in World War I, protecting French interests.

Battle with Mafia Targeting Vast Fortune

Significant event
Battle with Mafia Targeting Vast Fortune
Description
In 1924, in Lupin's last case, battles mafia targeting his fortune.

Relationships

Theophrast Lupin

Father

Father who died in prison during childhood.

Henriette d'Andresy

Mother

Mother who supported from childhood.

Jean

Child

Son. Gets involved in kidnapping incidents.

Daughter (name unknown)

Child

Born with Clarisse but passed away young.

Justin Ganimard

Rival

Appears as the inspector pursuing Lupin.

Sonia Krichnoff

Lover

Lover from young days. Meets a tragic death.

Maurice Leblanc

Biographer

Appears as the biographer of the stories.

Lupin Gang

Lupin Gang: leader

Media appearances

Gentleman Thief Lupin

Novel / Protagonist

1905 - 1939 novels

Gentleman Thief (The Gentleman Burglar)

Movie / Protagonist

1908 American film

Arsène Lupin vs. Ganimard

Movie / Protagonist

1913 French silent film

Arsène Lupin (Arsene Lupin)

Movie / Protagonist

1932 American film

The Mystery of Thief Lupin 813

Anime / Protagonist

1979 Japan animation

Gentleman Thief Arsène Lupin

Series / Protagonist

1971-1974 French-German drama series

Lupin

Series / Protagonist

2021 Netflix drama series

Code:Realize 〜創世の姫君〜

Game / Supporting

2014 game

Akashic Records

Game / Supporting

2020s game

Voice cast and creators

Tomokazu Seki

Voice actor
Tomokazu Seki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Audio drama 'Arsène Lupin' series

Ryōhei Kimura

Voice actor
Ryōhei Kimura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Audio drama 'Arsène Lupin' series

Yumemaro

Voice actor
Yumemaro
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Stage and audio drama

Yudai Furukawa

Voice actor
Yudai Furukawa
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Musical 'LUPIN ～The Secret of the Countess of Cagliostro～'

Hayato Watanabe

Voice actor
Hayato Watanabe
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Stage 'ARSÈNE LUPIN' series

Maurice Leblanc

Creator name
Maurice Leblanc
Role
Original author

Related goods

Gentleman Thief Lupin Figure

Item name
Gentleman Thief Lupin Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Arsène Lupin Comics Complete Collection

Item name
Arsène Lupin Comics Complete Collection
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

Find Arsène Lupin goods