Behind it all, he is likably vacuous, someone who has decided to become the Plutarchian hero in the same way that others become bankers

Lafayette is the true opposite of Talleyrand. They are born and die within a few years of each other, both have illustrious ancestors, both are involved in everything. Lafayette, convinced from the very start he is moving with the times, is especially eager every now and again to strike historic poses, and in the meantime to survive. He has an unshakeable capacity not to notice. Talleyrand also moves with the times, follows the trends, changes his shirts and his allegiances.

...

It is difficult to rage at Lafayette. Behind it all, he is likably vacuous, someone who has decided to become the Plutarchian hero in the same way that others become bankers. And he has also chosen it because it is an occasional occupation that allows him plenty of spare time. 

R. Calasso, The ruins of Kasch (1983), tr. R. Dixon (2018), 26-27