Character guide

Edmée de Mauprat

major

Also known as Edmée, Mademoiselle Edmée, the Mauprat, young Mauprat

Proud and intelligent heroine, central to the plot and Bernard's transformation.

Bernard Mauprat

major

Also known as Bernard, M. Bernard, Bernard de Mauprat, Master Bernard Mauprat

Rough-hewn narrator and protagonist who undergoes moral education through love for Edmée.

Patience

supporting

Also known as Master Patience, Monsieur Patience, old Patience, Friend Patience

Wise peasant philosopher and friend to Edmée, a moral guide in the story.

Marcasse

supporting

Also known as Don Marcasse, the worthy Marcasse, M. Marcasse

Loyal and eccentric servant who aids Bernard and Edmée.

M. de la Marche

supporting

Also known as de la Marche, De la Marche

Refined suitor of Edmée, representing the aristocratic world she might have chosen.

Sir Arthur Lee

supporting

Also known as Arthur

American doctor and friend of the family, a voice of Enlightenment ideals.

Hubert de Mauprat

supporting

Also known as M. Hubert, M. le Chevalier, the Chevalier Hubert de Mauprat, Monsieur Hubert de Mauprat

Edmée's benevolent father, a nobleman of the old school.

John Mauprat

supporting

Also known as old Mauprat, John de Mauprat, Mauprat

Ruthless patriarch of the violent Mauprat clan, Bernard's uncle.

Antony Mauprat

minor

Also known as Antony, Antony de Mauprat

One of the brutal Mauprat brothers, a threat to Edmée.

The Trappist

supporting

Also known as Brother John, John, the sham Trappist

Mysterious monk who is actually a disguised Mauprat relative.

Mademoiselle Leblanc

minor

Also known as Leblanc, Dear Leblanc

Edmée's devoted and sensible maid.

Abbé Aubert

minor

Also known as Aubert, The Abbé Aubert

Local priest and educator who influences Bernard's moral growth.

Blaireau

minor

Marcasse's faithful hunting dog, a minor but memorable animal character.

Leonard

minor

Also known as This Leonard

Servant at the Mauprat stronghold, complicit in the family's schemes.

Brother Nepomucene

minor

Also known as the humble Brother Jean Nepomucene, Nepomucene

A simple-minded monk at the monastery.

Saint-Jean

minor

Also known as the respectful Saint-Jean

Servant in the de Mauprat household.

Little Sylvain

minor

Also known as Sylvain

A young peasant boy who assists Patience.

Jean de Mauprat

minor

Also known as M. Jean de Mauprat, a clerical Mauprat

A clerical Mauprat relative, involved in family disputes.

Walter Mauprat

minor

Also known as Walter

Another of the violent Mauprat brothers.

Tristan de Mauprat

minor

Also known as Tristan, M. Tristan

A younger Mauprat relative, briefly mentioned.

Laurence

minor

Also known as my Uncle Laurence

An uncle of Bernard, mentioned in the family history.

Pleumartin

minor

Also known as the Seigneur de Pleumartin

A local nobleman who interacts with the Mauprats.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

minor

Also known as Jean Jacques, Jacques, Rousseau

Philosopher referenced by characters, not a direct participant.

Franklin

minor

Also known as a great admirer of Franklin, other Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, admired by Sir Arthur Lee, mentioned in conversation.