Joris Laurent

Joris Laurent is a French police officer affiliated with the Stalingrad precinct in Paris. Very little is known about him, apart from the fact that, whilst a police officer, he is a pimp involved in a human trafficking network.

Background

Joris’s career trajectory remains largely unknown and mysterious, but he is introduced as an active officer in the Stalingrad precinct, whilst not having a lot of responsibilities, because not trusted by his hierarchy. Behind this official role and the fact that he seems to have more money than his salary pays him, he is revealed to be a central figure in a wider human trafficking operation, operating both independently and within a corrupt network investigated by Charlotte, Heather Reed and her team. He works with or controls several young women, including Kelly Royer, and is implicated in the coercion and blackmail of Claire Cobert. Whilst not being the one identified as the blackmailer.

Although he holds a position of institutional power, Joris is not shown performing legitimate police duties. Instead, his identity as a cop is wielded as a tool of intimidation, used to manipulate his victims and silence suspicion, as he often says to his hierarchy that he is investigating on something. Joris is known to be a manipulative liar, as well as a diagnosed narcissistic psychopath, during many sessions performed by psychiatrists for the French police.

Physical Appearance

Joris is described as relatively young, likely around 30, with a clean but rugged appearance. He typically wears casual or tactical clothing, like grey tops, black trousers, and ranger-style shoes, but he is not someone who follows any fashion trends. He has a short haircut and is sometimes unshaven. While not conventionally handsome, he possesses an attractive and confident edge, enough to charm or disarm people temporarily.

His body language is described as alert and calculating. He often appears on edge, watching others with suspicion. He gives off the impression of a man used to control but deeply paranoid about losing it.

Personality

Joris is manipulative, volatile, and emotionally unstable. He oscillates between calculated charm and intense aggression and can change moods for no apparent reason. He’s a liar by habit, quickly spinning narratives to protect himself or deflect accountability. His rage can escalate suddenly, as seen in his violent verbal outbursts towards Charlotte and others.

Though capable of charm, he lacks empathy. His relationship with Claire is especially disturbing, as he abuses her emotionally, exerts control through fear, and takes advantage of her vulnerabilities, likely contributing to her involvement in sex trafficking but he appears as someone who would be a protective figure. His dynamic with Charlotte is combative; he sees her as a threat, challenging his authority and manipulations.

The true nature of his feelings for Claire Cobert is not known.

Relationships

• Claire Cobert: His most significant victim and point of control. He presents himself as someone Claire once trusted, but is revealed to have coerced and emotionally manipulated her. He slept with her during her relationship with Charlotte, forming part of the betrayal that shattered Charlotte and Claire’s bond.

• Charlotte Kominsky: A dangerous enemy to him. He underestimates her at first, then grows visibly more threatened as she begins to unravel the trafficking network. Their interactions are filled with tension, and she becomes central to his eventual exposure.

• Kelly Royer: Joris and Kelly are accomplices within the trafficking ring. They’re both involved in recruiting and managing victims like Claire. Their partnership is shown to be strategic rather than affectionate.

Role in the Story

Joris Laurent embodies the story’s theme of institutional corruption. He is part of the systemic rot that allows young women like Claire to be exploited while authorities look the other way. Unlike the grand villains of classic thrillers, Joris is disturbingly realistic: a man who hides behind his badge, abuses his power, and blends into society unnoticed.

His presence adds tension and danger to every scene he enters. Whether he’s seen arguing with Claire in the street or manipulating her behind the scenes, his role is a reminder of how deeply compromised the institutions meant to protect can become.