Character guide

George Duroy

major

Also known as Duroy, Monsieur George Duroy, George, Monsieur Duroy, young Duroy, George Du Roy, Du Roy, Monsieur Du Roy, George Du Roy de Cantel, Du Roy de Cantel, de Cantel, Monsieur Prosper George Du Roy, the Baron George Du Roy

Ambitious former soldier who rises through Parisian society using charm and manipulation.

Madeleine Forestier

major

Also known as Forestier, Madame Forestier, Madeleine, Even Forestier, Madeleine Forestier, Madame Madeleine Forestier, Madame Claire Madeleine Forestier, Madame Claire Madeleine Du Roy, Madeleine Du Roy, Madame Du Roy

Clever and influential woman who helps Duroy's career; becomes his wife.

Madame Walter

supporting

Also known as Walter, Madame

Wife of the newspaper owner; becomes infatuated with Duroy.

Clotilde de Marelle

supporting

Also known as Madame de Marelle, Clotilde

Duroy's mistress; independent and passionate woman.

Charles Forestier

supporting

Also known as Forestier, Monsieur Forestier, Charles, poor Charles, Poor Charles

Duroy's friend and colleague who dies early in the story.

Jacques Rival

supporting

Also known as Rival, Jacques

Journalist and friend of Duroy; a man about town.

Norbert de Varenne

supporting

Also known as Monsieur Norbert, Monsieur Norbert de Varenne, that old tubby Norbert, Norbert

Older poet and columnist at the newspaper.

Suzanne Walter

supporting

Also known as Susan, Susan Walter, Walter, Susan the Marquis de Cazolles

Younger daughter of the Walters; Duroy's eventual bride.

Laurine

minor

Also known as little Laurine

Daughter of Clotilde de Marelle; fond of Duroy.

Laroche-Mathieu

supporting

Also known as Monsieur Laroche - Mathieu, Monsieur Laroche Mathieu, Laroche - Mathieu, Laroche, a Laroche - Mathieu

Politician and minister involved in the Morocco affair.

Count de Vaudrec

minor

Also known as the Count de Vaudrec, Vaudrec, de Vaudrec, Count de Vaudrec, old fossil De Vaudrec, Monsieur de Vaudrec

Wealthy old friend of the Forestiers; leaves inheritance to Madeleine.

Monsieur Walter

supporting

Also known as Walter, Daddy Walter

Owner of La Vie Française; becomes wealthy through colonial ventures.

Saint-Potin

minor

Also known as Saint - Potin

Journalist colleague of Duroy at the newspaper.

Boisrenard

minor

Also known as Monsieur Boisrenard

Old journalist at La Vie Française.

Rachel

minor

Prostitute Duroy visits; later encounters her at a party.

Mother Duroy

minor

Also known as Madame Duroy, Duroy de Cantel, Madame Duroy de Cantel, old Duroy

Duroy's aging mother living in the countryside.

Father Duroy

minor

Also known as Duroy

Duroy's father, a farmer in Normandy.

Monsieur de Marelle

minor

Also known as de Marelle

Husband of Clotilde; often absent on business.

Viscountess de Percemur

minor

Also known as The Viscomtesse de Percemur, the Viscountess de Percemur, The Viscountess de Percemur

Aristocratic woman who appears at the Walters' salon.

Marquis de Cazolles

minor

Also known as the Marquis de Cazolles, Cazolles

Nobleman who marries Suzanne Walter.

Maitre Lamaneur

minor

Also known as Lamaneur

Lawyer who handles Duroy's divorce.

Montelin

minor

Also known as Monsieur Montelin

Acquaintance of Duroy mentioned in social circles.

Marrot

minor

Also known as Monsieur Marrot

Minor character in Duroy's social circle.

Rissolin

minor

Also known as Madame Rissolin

Minor character at a social gathering.

Louis Langremont

minor

Also known as Langremont, Monsieur Louis Langremont

Minor character mentioned in political circles.

Karl Marcowitch

minor

Also known as Marcowitch

Minor character at a social event.

Count de Latour-Yvelin

minor

Also known as de Latour Yvelin, the Count de Latour - Yvelin, The Count de Latour - Yvelin

Nobleman present at social functions.

Madame Aubert

minor

Minor character in Duroy's social world.

Lily Fingers

minor

Nickname for a woman in Duroy's circle.

Monsieur Carapin

minor

Minor character mentioned in passing.

Monsieur Potel

minor

Minor character in Duroy's social circle.

The Servant

minor

Also known as the servant

Generic servant in Duroy's household.

The Priest

minor

Also known as a priest, the priest

Priest who appears at various ceremonies.

The Doctor

minor

Also known as the doctor

Doctor attending to characters in the story.

Mr. Commissionary

minor

Also known as Mr. Commissary

Official encountered by Duroy.

La Vie Française

minor

Also known as the Vie Francaise, The Vie Francaise

The newspaper where Duroy works.