Passepartout has led a fascinating life. Born to a semi-piratical captain of a Mediterranean trading vessel, Passepartout spent much of his childhood traveling Southern Europe, exposed to a variety of cultures and languages. As Phileas Fogg has been known to comment, Passepartout "speaks fourteen languages, all of them badly."

Before becoming a manservant to Phileas Fogg, Passepartout worked as a hairdresser, a fireman, a veterinary assistant, a circus acrobat and a lumberjack, among other equally diverse occupations. Though he came into the service of Phileas Fogg quite unexpectedly - being gambled away during a card game - he endeavors to perform as the exemplary valet. He is always ready to do Fogg's bidding; ironing, cooking, cleaning, and serving tea with swift efficiency.

Passepartout also has an erratic genius for invention. He is constantly trying to concoct devices that will make his job and his master's life more comfortable. Unfortunately, his contraptions frequently do not function as envisioned, and, as he insists upon testing them upon Fogg and his compatriots, the resulting chaos is a source of both amusement and exasperation.

Despite pants pressers that run amuck, and tea service trays with a mind of their own, Phileas Fogg must feel Passepartout is doing a passable job, for he has lasted at his position far longer than any of his predecessors, becoming an indispensable member of the Fogg household. He does not hesitate to follow his master into danger, remaining steadfast, if somewhat nervous, in the face of evil counts, demonic specters and hungry vampires. He considers it his duty to try and protect not only Fogg, but also his cousin Rebecca and young Verne as well. No matter the danger, Passepartout can be counted on to maintains an appreciation for the small joys and pleasures in life, adding a spark of humor and good cheer even in the midst of disaster.