Balzac was a pioneer of Realism, showing the rise of capitalism and how the pursuit of wealth dissolved traditional social ties.

Many stories follow the "young man from the provinces" (like Eugène de Rastignac) attempting to conquer Parisian high society.

Characters are often driven by a single, all-consuming passion, such as avarice, paternal love, or a quest for scientific perfection. Recommended Reading Guide

The series includes and dozens of unfinished drafts. It is famous for its recurring characters —over 2,000 in total—who appear across different novels to create a sense of a living, breathing world. Major Themes

Explores the internal motives and causes behind human behavior.