The Chaplain, at some point in the past, became one of the four Giants responsible for the maintenance of the Sisyphe System. Because of his role in the operation, he became familiar with Meursault's Mother, who insisted upon referring to the man by his title, rather than his name of Maurice. He viewed his responsibility as a manner of keeping the world from barbarism, which grew the sycophantic personality he was later known for.

In the Grand Magasin Sisyphe, the Chaplain, under the avatar of the Warden, kept control of the flow of the Sisyphe System by punishing those who violated the set rules and tried to change its predetermined endings. Uniquely among the Giants, the Chaplain was responsible for the Sisyphe System's internal memories and time, giving him a key role in the System's Liquidations. Beyond this, the Chaplain was also the Giant who served as the Voice of Le Noir, inspiring the prisoners to safeguard the Magasin's status quo.