Richard Lermontant is the best friend of Marcel Ste. Marie. He is the son of Suzette and Rudolphe Lermonant, the undertaker. He is also a privileged free man of color who is sent to the same classes as Marcel. Richard, however, is much quieter and more serious than Marcel. He takes his duties to heart. He is also protected by his parents. His father has timed the distance to the school on his watch and only allows Richard an additional five minutes on rainy days. Beyond this, Richard is a man wise beyond his years and is prone to taking a wiser course of actions, which may explain his relationship with the younger and more spontaneous Marcel.