Ernest Duquesne Character Analysis in The Book of Lost Hours

Overview of Ernest Duquesne in The Book of Lost Hours

Ernest Duquesne is a central figure in Hayley Gelfuso's novel, a man whose life is defined by his work as a timekeeper for the Time Research Project (TRP) and by his transformative love for Lisavet Levy. He begins as a dutiful agent who burns memories under orders, but his relationship with Lisavet—a girl trapped in the time space—forces him to question the ethics of his work. Over the course of the story, Ernest evolves from a loyal cog in the TRP machine into a rebel leader who steals watches and plans to seal off the time space entirely. His arc culminates in a selfless act: he intends to sacrifice himself to close the time space, though Lisavet ultimately prevents that sacrifice. Ernest is also the biological father of Amelia, though he raises her as his niece, and his supposed death in 1965 sets the novel's present-day plot in motion. His story is one of love, moral awakening, and the heavy cost of protecting those he cares about.

Plot Role

Ernest's role in the narrative is multifaceted. He is first introduced in Chapter 3 as an American timekeeper who rescues memories from burning, a rare act that catches Lisavet's attention. Their meeting sparks a relationship that becomes the emotional core of the novel. As a TRP agent, Ernest is tasked with investigating Lisavet, but he instead falls in love with her and begins lying to his superior, Jack Dillinger, to protect her. This deception leads to a series of consequences: Jack discovers the truth, threatens Ernest's career and family, and forces him to try to bring Lisavet out of the time space. When Lisavet erases herself from his memories to protect him, Ernest is left with no recollection of their love, yet he continues to be drawn to the memory of her.

In the later timeline, Ernest becomes a rebel leader, stealing watches from the TRP and working to dismantle the system that burns memories. He also discovers that Moira Donnelly—the woman he later dates and who becomes his secretary—is actually Lisavet, and that Amelia is his daughter. His plan to seal the time space is a final attempt to end the cycle of memory destruction, but it requires his own sacrifice.

Motivations and Traits

Ernest's motivations shift dramatically over the course of the novel. Initially, he is driven by duty and a desire to live up to his father's legacy as the founder of the TRP. He forges his draft card at sixteen to join the army, showing a willingness to serve his country. As a timekeeper, he follows orders without question, burning memories as instructed. However, his encounter with Lisavet awakens a moral compass he didn't know he had. He begins to see the value of preserving memories, not just destroying them.

His love for Lisavet is the catalyst for his transformation. He is drawn to her intelligence, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to saving memories. He recites poetry to her, revealing a sensitive, romantic side that contrasts with his soldierly exterior. He is also fiercely protective: he takes a bullet for her, lies to Jack to keep her safe, and eventually plans to sacrifice himself to ensure her freedom.

Ernest is intelligent and analytical, studying quantum theory to understand Lisavet's ability to touch objects in memories. He is also stubborn, refusing to back down when Jack threatens him, and he is willing to defy authority when he believes it is right. His flaws include a tendency to keep secrets, which leads to misunderstandings and pain, and a willingness to sacrifice his own happiness for others.

Chronological Arc

Ernest's arc can be traced through several key phases:

Early Life and Career: Born into a family with ties to the TRP, Ernest joins the army at sixteen, then returns to work in his father's department. He becomes a timekeeper, rising through the ranks.
Meeting Lisavet: In 1944, he encounters Lisavet in the time space. Their first meeting is marked by a playful theft of pages, but it sparks a connection. Over the next few years, they meet regularly, and Ernest falls in love.
Deception and Discovery: Ernest lies to Jack, claiming Lisavet is dead. Jack eventually discovers the truth and gives Ernest one week to bring her out. Ernest asks Lisavet to leave with him, but she refuses. While he sleeps, she erases herself from his memories, leaving him with no recollection of their relationship.
Raising Amelia: Ernest becomes the guardian of his niece, Amelia, who is actually his daughter. He raises her with love, though he is unaware of her true parentage.
Rebel Leader: In the 1950s, Ernest begins secretly sparing memories and eventually joins a resistance movement. He steals watches from the TRP and becomes a fugitive.
Reunion with Moira: In 1965, Ernest confronts Moira (Lisavet) after finding her book and learning the truth. They reconcile, and he reveals his plan to seal the time space.
Sacrifice and Aftermath: Ernest plans to stay behind to seal the time space, but Lisavet has Anton drag him through a door instead. He survives, and in an alternate timeline, he lives with Lisavet and Amelia.

Relationships

Lisavet Levy / Moira Donnelly: Ernest's relationship with Lisavet is the heart of the novel. They fall in love in the time space, and their bond endures even after Lisavet erases his memories. As Moira, she works alongside him, and they eventually reconcile. Their love is marked by sacrifice and secrecy.
Amelia Duquesne: Ernest raises Amelia as his niece, unaware she is his daughter. He is a caring guardian, taking her to the zoo and trying to connect with her. When he learns the truth, he watches her from afar, unable to approach her because he is supposed to be dead.
Jack Dillinger: Jack is Ernest's superior and a constant antagonist. He uses threats and manipulation to control Ernest, but Ernest eventually defies him. Jack's actions drive Ernest toward rebellion.
Vasily Stepanov: A Russian timekeeper who becomes Ernest's ally. They meet through Azrael and develop a cautious friendship, exchanging notes and working together to save memories.
Azrael: The ghostly first timekeeper who guides Lisavet. Ernest interacts with him indirectly, and Azrael introduces him to Vasily.

Key Decisions and Consequences

Lying to Jack about Lisavet: Ernest's decision to report Lisavet as dead protects her temporarily but leads to Jack's discovery and threats. This forces Ernest to confront his loyalty.
Asking Lisavet to Leave: Ernest asks Lisavet to leave the time space and marry him. Her refusal and subsequent erasure of his memories leave him heartbroken, but it also allows him to continue his work without suspicion.
Stealing Watches: Ernest's theft of TRP watches is a direct act of rebellion, making him a fugitive and aligning him with the resistance.
Planning to Seal the Time Space: Ernest's plan to seal the time space is a drastic measure to end memory destruction. He is willing to sacrifice himself, but Lisavet intervenes, saving him.
Giving Amelia His Watch: In the final confrontation, Ernest gives Amelia his watch, ensuring her safety and allowing her to escape the collapsing time space.

Themes and Symbols

Ernest's character is deeply tied to the novel's central themes. His journey from obedient timekeeper to rebel reflects the ethics of controlling history. He comes to see memories as valuable archives, not disposable records, aligning with the theme of memory as a physical archive. His love for Lisavet and his eventual sacrifice highlight love and the burden of secrets. Ernest's identity is constructed through his memories, and when Lisavet erases herself from his mind, he loses a part of himself, echoing the theme of identity as a construct of memory. His role as a father, though hidden, connects to maternal sacrifice and protection, even though his sacrifice is paternal. The forget-me-not flower, a symbol of remembrance, is associated with Ernest's rebellion and his love for Lisavet.

Questions and Answers

Why does Ernest lie to Jack about Lisavet's death?

Ernest lies to protect Lisavet from being captured or killed by the TRP. He knows that if Jack learns she is alive, she will be dragged out of the time space, which could be fatal for her. His love for her overrides his duty.

How does Ernest become a rebel leader?

After Lisavet erases his memories, Ernest continues to work as a timekeeper but begins to question the ethics of burning memories. He meets Vasily Stepanov and other like-minded individuals, and together they form a resistance movement. Ernest steals watches from the TRP to disrupt their operations.

What is Ernest's plan to seal the time space, and why does he want to do it?

Ernest plans to open a chasm in the time space and trap himself inside, sealing it forever. He believes this will end the TRP's ability to alter history and destroy memories. He is willing to sacrifice himself for this cause.

How does Ernest react when he learns that Amelia is his daughter?

In Chapter 20, Ernest watches Amelia at Pembroke Academy and realizes she is his daughter. He cannot approach her because he is supposed to be dead, so he watches from a distance, feeling a mix of love and sorrow.

What role does Ernest play in the novel's ending?

Ernest intends to stay behind to seal the time space, but Lisavet has Anton drag him through a door, saving him. He survives and, in an alternate timeline, lives with Lisavet and Amelia. His sacrifice is prevented, but his willingness to give up everything for love and memory defines his character.

For a deeper look at how Ernest's choices shape the story, see the ending explained and the questions and answers sections.