Character guide

Raoul Nathan

major

Also known as Nathan, the penniless Nathan, M. Nathan

A penniless journalist and writer who becomes Florine's lover and a rival to Félix.

Florine

major

Also known as V Florine, the laughing Florine

An actress and courtesan, Nathan's mistress, central to the social intrigue.

Marie de Vandenesse

major

Also known as Vandenesse, Marie, de Vandenesse, the Comtesse Marie

The beautiful and virtuous wife of Comte Félix de Vandenesse, torn between duty and love.

Comte Félix de Vandenesse

major

Also known as the Comte de Vandenesse, Félix de Vandenesse, Félix, Count Félix

A wealthy, devoted husband whose love for Marie is tested by society and rivals.

Eugénie

supporting

Also known as Marie-Eugénie, poor Eugénie

Marie's younger sister, a contrast in temperament and fate.

Schmucke

supporting

Also known as de boor Schmucke, de poor Schmucke

A kind, simple German musician and friend to Nathan.

Émile Blondet

supporting

Also known as Blondet

A witty journalist and man of letters, part of the Parisian social circle.

Du Tillet

supporting

Also known as du Tillet, Lost Du Tillet

A wealthy banker and social climber, involved in financial schemes.

Lady Dudley

supporting

An English aristocrat and former lover of Félix, who reappears to cause trouble.

Rastignac

supporting

Also known as M. de Rastignac

An ambitious young nobleman and socialite, friend to many in the story.

Delphine de Nucingen

supporting

Also known as the Baronne Delphine de Nucingen, de Nucingen, Delphine

A fashionable banker's wife and friend to Marie, part of high society.

Massol

minor

A journalist and editor, involved in the literary world.

de Marsay

minor

Also known as the great de Marsay

A powerful statesman and former dandy, a figure of authority.

Baron de Nucingen

minor

Also known as the Baron de Nucingen, Nucingen, M. de Nucingen

A wealthy, scheming banker, husband of Delphine.

Charles de Vandenesse

minor

Also known as the Marquise Charles de Vandenesse, the Marquise de Vandenesse

Félix's brother, a marquis and diplomat.

Gigonnet

minor

Also known as old Gigonnet, M. Gigonnet

A usurer and money-lender, part of the financial underworld.

Comtesse de Granville

minor

Also known as the Comtesse de Granville

A noblewoman, mother of Marie-Angélique.

Octave de Camps

minor

Also known as Mme. Octave de Camps

A friend of Marie, a respectable married woman.

Étienne Lousteau

minor

Also known as Lousteau

A journalist and writer, part of Nathan's circle.

Marie-Angélique

minor

Also known as Angélique, Marie-Angélique de Granville

A young woman, daughter of the Comtesse de Granville.

Comte de Granville

minor

Also known as the Comte de Granville

A nobleman, father of Marie-Angélique.

Marquise de Listomère

minor

Also known as the Marquise de Listomère

An elderly aristocrat, a figure in society.

Comtesse de Montcornet

minor

Also known as the Comtesse de Montcornet

A society hostess, friend to Marie.