Character guide

Frederick Moreau

major

Also known as Frederick, Frederick Lemaitre, Alfred de Dreux

A young man from the provinces who moves to Paris, seeking love and success.

Madame Arnoux

major

Also known as Arnoux, the Arnoux, Madame, the worthy Arnoux

The married woman Frederick idealizes and pursues throughout the novel.

Deslauriers

supporting

Also known as Charles Deslauriers, Charles

Frederick's ambitious and cynical friend from law school.

Hussonnet

supporting

Also known as Arnoux, the Arnoux, Thereupon Hussonnet, Hussonnet M. Arnoux, M. Arnoux, M.

A journalist and friend of Frederick, often involved in artistic circles.

Rosanette

supporting

A courtesan who becomes Frederick's mistress, known as the Maréchale.

Sénécal

supporting

Also known as M. Sénécal

A stern republican and mathematics tutor, later a political activist.

Pellerin

supporting

Also known as Add Pellerin

A painter who tries various artistic styles, often seeking commissions.

Madame Dambreuse

supporting

Also known as Madame

A wealthy society woman who later becomes Frederick's lover.

Regimbart

supporting

Also known as M. Regimbart, Citizen Regimbart

A political activist and regular at the Café de la Régence.

Martinon

supporting

Also known as Baptiste Martinon

A fellow student of Frederick, later a successful lawyer and politician.

Mademoiselle Vatnaz

supporting

Also known as Mademoiselle, the Vatnaz, Vatnaz

An aging actress and friend of Rosanette, involved in artistic circles.

Dussardier

supporting

Also known as Father Dussardier

A kind-hearted clerk and loyal friend to Frederick.

Madame Moreau

minor

Also known as Madame, young Moreau

Frederick's mother, who lives in Nogent and worries about his future.

M. de Cisy

minor

Also known as Cisy

A young aristocrat and rival of Frederick for Rosanette's affections.

M. Dambreuse

supporting

A wealthy banker and political figure, husband of Madame Dambreuse.

The Maréchale

supporting

Another name for Rosanette, the courtesan Frederick keeps.

Mademoiselle Marthe

minor

Also known as Marthe, mademoiselle, Mademoiselle

The young daughter of Jacques and Madame Arnoux.

Mademoiselle Clémence Daviou

minor

Also known as Mademoiselle Clémence, Clémence, Mademoiselle

A young woman who works at Arnoux's shop, later involved with Deslauriers.

Catherine

minor

A servant in the Moreau household in Nogent.

Jacques Arnoux

supporting

Also known as Arnoux, JACQUES ARNOUX

Husband of Madame Arnoux, an art dealer and businessman.

Delphine

minor

A maid or servant in the Arnoux household.

Père Roque

minor

A local landowner in Nogent, father of Louise Roque.

The Dambreuses

minor

The wealthy couple who host salons and influence Parisian society.

Sombary

minor

A friend or acquaintance of Frederick, mentioned in social circles.

Louise Roque

supporting

Also known as Elisabeth Olympe Louise Roque, Roque, little Louise

A young girl from Nogent who falls in love with Frederick.

Delmar

minor

An actor and friend of the artistic circle around Arnoux.

Delmas

minor

A minor character, possibly a journalist or acquaintance.

Jules Burrieu

minor

Also known as Burrieu

A friend of Frederick from his hometown, later a lawyer.

M. Roque

minor

Another name for Père Roque, Louise's father.

Père Oudry

minor

Also known as Oudry

An older man who courts Madame Moreau after her husband's death.

Isidore

minor

A servant in the Moreau household.

Eugène

minor

Also known as little Eugène, Little Eugène

The young son of Rosanette, who dies in infancy.

Madame Oudry

minor

Also known as the worthy Oudry, Oudry

Wife of Père Oudry, a social acquaintance in Nogent.

M. Gamblin

minor

A minor character, possibly a teacher or official.

Felix

minor

A servant or messenger in the story.