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Who is Juliette in The Serpent in real life?

Published in The Serpent Character 2 mins read

In the gripping miniseries The Serpent, the character of Juliette is widely understood to be based on Chantal Compagnon, a real individual who shared a significant early relationship with notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj.

The Real Person Behind Juliette: Chantal Compagnon

Chantal Compagnon was a pivotal figure in Charles Sobhraj's life, particularly during his formative years as he emerged from a period of incarceration. Their relationship sheds light on a less notorious chapter of Sobhraj's life, showing a moment where he seemingly aimed for a different path.

Character (The Serpent) Real-Life Counterpart Key Relationship Detail
Juliette Chantal Compagnon First wife of Charles Sobhraj, whom he met in Paris shortly after his release from prison. Their courtship was rapid, and he promised to reform for her.

Key Aspects of Chantal Compagnon's Connection to Sobhraj:

  • Initial Meeting: Charles Sobhraj met Chantal Compagnon in Paris when he was 24 years old. This meeting occurred soon after his release from prison, marking a new phase in his life.
  • Swift Engagement: Their relationship progressed very quickly; Sobhraj reportedly proposed to her just weeks after they met, suggesting a strong initial connection.
  • Promise of a New Life: During this time, Sobhraj made a clear commitment to Compagnon that he would abandon his criminal activities and strive for an honest life, promising to "go straight." This promise, however, proved to be short-lived as his criminal tendencies soon re-emerged.

The portrayal of Juliette in The Serpent serves to represent this critical, albeit brief, period of normalcy and attempted reform in Charles Sobhraj's otherwise infamous life story, before he fully embraced his identity as "The Serpent."