Character guide

Julie d'Aiglemont

major

Also known as Julie, poor Julie, the Marquise, Madame la Marquise, Madame d'Aiglemont, Marquise, Madame

The protagonist, a woman navigating love, marriage, and societal expectations across decades.

Charles de Vandenesse

major

Also known as Charles, M. Charles de Vandenesse, Vandenesse, M. de Vandenesse

A charming diplomat and Julie's lover, central to her emotional journey.

Colonel Victor d'Aiglemont

major

Also known as Victor, Colonel d'Aiglemont, Victor d'Aiglemont, the General, General, D'Aiglemont

Julie's husband, a military officer whose neglect shapes her unhappiness.

Hélène d'Aiglemont

supporting

Also known as Hélène, little Hélène

Julie and Victor's eldest daughter, who faces her own tragic romance.

Lord Grenville

supporting

Also known as Arthur, Monsieur Arthur

An English nobleman who becomes Hélène's lover, leading to family conflict.

Moïna de Saint-Héreen

supporting

Also known as Little Moïna, Moïna, The Comtesse Moïna de Saint-Héreen, la Comtesse

Julie's younger daughter, a spirited socialite who marries into nobility.

Madame de Sérizy

supporting

Also known as Mme. d'Aiglemont, Mme, de Sérizy, Mme. de Saint-Héreen

A worldly society woman and confidante to Julie in later years.

Louisa de Wimphen

minor

Also known as Louisa, de Wimphen

A friend of Julie's family, involved in social intrigues.

Ronquerolles

minor

Also known as M. de Ronquerolles, M. d'Aiglemont

A nobleman and occasional advisor to the d'Aiglemont family.

Marquis de Vandenesse

minor

Also known as The Marquis de Vandenesse, Marquis, de Vandenesse

Charles's elder brother, a conservative aristocrat.

Madame de Listomère

minor

Also known as Mme. de Listomère, Mme. de Listomère-Landon

A society matron and relative of the Vandenesse family.

Captain Gomez

minor

Also known as Gomez

A Spanish officer who courts Hélène during her travels.

Abel d'Aiglemont

minor

Also known as Abel, little Abel

Julie and Victor's young son, who dies in childhood.

Pauline

minor

A servant or companion in the d'Aiglemont household.

Crottat

minor

A notary or legal figure involved in family affairs.

Gustave

minor

A young man briefly associated with Moïna's social circle.

Alfred de Vandenesse

minor

Also known as Alfred

A younger relative of Charles, appearing in social scenes.

Fox

minor

Also known as young Fox

An English acquaintance of Lord Grenville.