Character guide

Germinie Lacerteux

major

Also known as Germinie, little Germinie Lacerteux, LI Germinie, the poor girl

A servant girl whose tragic life and secret struggles form the heart of the novel.

Mademoiselle de Varandeuil

major

Also known as Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle Germinie, Mademoiselle de Varandeuil Germinie

Germinie's elderly, kind mistress who employs and cares for her.

Madame Jupillon

supporting

Also known as VIII Madame Jupillon, Jupillon, XIII Madame Jupillon, Madame, young Jupillon

A shopkeeper and mother of Jupillon, who becomes Germinie's lover.

Médéric Gautruche

supporting

Also known as Gautruche

A working-class man who becomes involved with Germinie later in the story.

Rose

supporting

Also known as Poor Rose

A fellow servant and friend of Germinie, who shares her confidences.

Adèle

minor

Another servant in the household, a colleague of Germinie.

Sempronie

minor

A friend or acquaintance of Germinie, mentioned in passing.

Joseph

minor

Also known as old Joseph, old Joseph who ran after her and wanted to marry her

An older man who once pursued Germinie with marriage intentions.

Bibi

minor

Also known as bibi

A minor character, possibly a child or nickname in the story.

Maria

minor

Also known as Marie

A minor female character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Paillon

minor

A minor character, likely a tradesman or local figure.

Père Remalard

minor

An older man, possibly a neighbor or relative of a character.

Chaumette

minor

A minor character, perhaps a servant or local resident.

Cousin

minor

A relative of one of the main characters, mentioned briefly.

Dame

minor

An unnamed woman, possibly a neighbor or shopkeeper.