Max Renault is introduced as a man of striking appearance, with a dark, clear-cut, clean-shaven face, bright blue eyes contrasting with black straight brows, a slightly aquiline nose, thin and sensitive nostrils, a short upper lip, firm and resolute mouth, and a square chin with a strong lower jaw [1]. He is described as being over the average in stature, with a slight stoop suggesting a student, and a broad, square forehead [1]. His demeanor is often quiet and almost well-bred, even when performing violent acts [1]. He is capable of maintaining composure and politeness even in tense situations, though sometimes with a hint of scorn or mockery [1].
Renault is portrayed as a man of strong convictions, possessing the will and courage to act on them regardless of difficulties or dangers [1]. He is the intellectual and directing spirit of the 'Autonomie Group Number 7,' conceiving plans for which others pay the penalty [1]. His genius is acknowledged, particularly in engineering and electrical work, being the chief engineer and electrician of Utopia and responsible for the Mermaid's existence [1]. He is described as having a reserved or concealed power about him, which some, like Violet, instinctively sense as deceitful [1]. He is utterly ruthless, as demonstrated by his cold-blooded murder of Victor Berthauld for perceived treachery [1]. He views society with contempt and hatred, believing force and terrorism are the only remedies for its state [1]. Max is also shown to be highly intelligent and cunning, able to outwit others and plan complex operations [1].
Max Renault's primary motivation is his deep-seated hatred for organized society, which he sees as oppressive and unjust [1]. He believes in 'Anarchy' as the ultimate triumph and seeks to destroy existing power structures [1]. His personal vendetta is fueled by the execution of his French father and the subsequent suffering of his English mother [1]. He aims to establish a new world order where he, as the 'Lord of the Air,' holds ultimate power, declaring 'war to the knife' on the world [1]. He envisions a reign of terror, using his air-ship to bombard cities and paralyze governments [1].
Max Renault's actions are consistently ruthless and calculated. He orchestrates the assassination of President Carnot by Caserio Santo [1]. He steals the air-ship from Utopia, having infiltrated the 'Brotherhood of the Better Life' to gain access to its secrets [1]. He attempts to destroy the Nautilus, a formidable submarine, to eliminate potential rivals [1]. His aerial attacks on London, including the bombardment of the Bank of England, General Post Office, Law Courts, and gasworks, demonstrate his destructive capabilities and intent to spread terror [1]. He also participates in the Battle of the Sound, using his air-fleet to indiscriminately destroy the French, Russian, and German naval forces [1].
Max Renault's relationships are often transactional and based on control. He loves Lea Cassilis, seeing her as a kindred spirit and desiring her to be the 'queen' of his aerial empire [1]. However, his love is intertwined with his desire for power, and he admits he would have forced her if she hadn't consented [1]. He attempts to kidnap Violet Milton, driven by a 'savage desire to inflict an irreparable injury' on her and her family, whom he hates as members of the aristocracy [1]. He trusts Franz Hartog for his mechanical genius but ultimately plans to betray and kill him to maintain sole control of the air-ship's fuel secret [1]. He views his followers as tools, expecting them to obey without question, and is surprised when they mutiny against him [1]. His belief in absolute control leads him to keep the motor-fuel formula a secret, even from Hartog, which ultimately contributes to his downfall [1].
Max Renault is eventually captured in London after Sir Harry Milton and Lieutenant Wyndham recognize him despite his disguise [1]. During his trial at the Old Bailey, he calmly admits his crimes, viewing them as acts of war against society rather than murder or piracy [1]. He defiantly snaps his fingers at the judge and jury after being sentenced to death, declaring it the 'death sentence of London' [1]. His final act is a desperate, self-destructive one: he uses a knife to burst a military balloon sent to capture him from Nelson's Column, dying in a fiery explosion and taking his would-be captors with him [1]. He dies 'game to the last,' outwitting both his false friends and his foes [1].
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