Guy de Maupassant was a popular French writer in the 19th century. He was one of the first writers to write short stories. Many of his stories were set during the Franco-Prussian war. His stories show the futility of war and war's effects on the innocent. Bel Ami, published in 1885, is the story of journalist Georges Duroy. He manipulated a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy mistresses in order to become one of the most powerful men in Paris. After 3 years of military service in Algeria, he arrives in Paris and six months later he was working as a clerk. An encounter with his former comrade, Forestier, enables him to start a career as a journalist. From here he works his way up the ladder of success climbing over anyone in his way.