Character guide

Louise de Chaulieu

major

Also known as Louise de Macumer, Armande, Marie de Chaulieu, Louise, Armande de Chaulieu, the Baronne de Macumer

A passionate young woman who marries Felipe and later Gaston, corresponding with Renée.

Renée de Maucombe

major

Also known as Renée de l'Estorade, Renée, Dear Renée, Mme. de l'Estorade, the Comtesse de l'Estorade

Louise's practical friend who marries into the l'Estorade family and raises children.

Felipe Hénarez

major

Also known as Don Felipe Hénarez, Don Hénarez, Hénarez, Don Felipe, Felipe de Soria, the Baron de Macumer

A Spanish nobleman who becomes Louise's first husband, the Baron de Macumer.

Marie Gaston

major

Also known as Gaston, Louis Gaston, Mme. Gaston, Mme. Marie Gaston

A poet and writer who marries Louise after Felipe's death.

Louis de l'Estorade

supporting

Also known as Louis, Armand, little Armand, Master Armand, the Baron de l'Estorade

Renée's husband, a French baron and later comte, devoted to his family.

Daniel d'Arthez

supporting

Also known as Daniel d'Arthez, Daniel, D'Arthez, d'Arthez

A writer and friend of Marie Gaston, part of the literary circle.

Miss Griffith

supporting

Also known as Griffith

Louise's English governess and companion.

Don Fernand

supporting

Also known as Fernand

Felipe's brother, a Spanish nobleman involved in family affairs.

Naïs

minor

Also known as Little Naïs

Renée's daughter, a young child in the l'Estorade household.

Duc de Soria

minor

Also known as the Duc de Soria, Soria

Felipe's father, the Spanish Duke of Soria.

Marie Hérédia

minor

Also known as Marie

A young woman connected to the l'Estorade family.

Philippe

minor

Also known as old Philippe

An elderly servant in the l'Estorade household.

Henri de Marsay

minor

Also known as M. de Marsay, Marsay

A Parisian dandy and politician mentioned in correspondence.

Mme. de Staël

minor

Also known as Mme. de Staël

A famous writer referenced by Louise in her letters.

Bonaparte

minor

Also known as Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte, mentioned as a historical figure.

King René

minor

Also known as René, little René

A historical king of Provence, referenced in the narrative.

Fedelta

minor

A servant or companion in the Macumer household.

Mademoiselle de Chaulieu

minor

Also known as Mademoiselle, de Chaulieu

Louise's maiden name reference, used before marriage.

Mme. de Maufrigneuse

minor

Also known as Mme. d'Espard, de Maufrigneuse, the Duchesse de Maufrigneuse

A Parisian socialite mentioned in the correspondence.

de Mortsauf

minor

Also known as Mlle. de Mortsauf, the young de Mortsauf

A young noblewoman referenced in letters.

Prince de Talleyrand

minor

Also known as de Talleyrand

The famous French diplomat, mentioned in passing.

Comte de Maucombe

minor

Also known as Maucombe, a Maucombe

Renée's father, a Provençal nobleman.

M. de Canalis

minor

Also known as Canalis

A poet and acquaintance of the characters.

Clarissa Harlowe

minor

Also known as Clarissa

Literary character from Richardson's novel, referenced by Louise.

Duc de Rhétoré

minor

Also known as the Duc de Rhétoré

A nobleman mentioned in social circles.

Valdez

minor

A Spanish acquaintance of Felipe's family.

Duchesse de Soria

minor

Also known as the Duchesse de Soria

Felipe's mother, the Duchess of Soria.

Jeanne-Athénaïs

minor

Also known as Athénaïs

A young girl in the l'Estorade household.

Nathan

minor

A writer or journalist mentioned in literary circles.