Renée Michel is a fictional character from the novel "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery. She is a middle-aged concierge living in a Parisian apartment building, known for her intelligence and love of philosophy and art, which she keeps hidden from the residents. Despite her humble position, Renée leads a rich inner life and challenges societal expectations. Her character explores themes of class, identity, and the search for beauty in everyday life, making her a central figure in the narrative and a symbol of hidden depth in seemingly ordinary people.