Character guide

Saint Julian

major

Also known as Julian, Saint Julian the Hospitaller

A nobleman cursed to kill his parents, who later becomes a holy hermit and hospitaller.

Félicité

major

A devoted servant whose life is marked by simple faith and love for a parrot.

Madame Aubain

supporting

Also known as Madame

Félicité's employer, a widowed middle-class woman with two children.

Herod Antipas

major

Also known as Antipas, Herod

Tetrarch of Galilee, conflicted ruler hosting a banquet for his enemies.

Herodias

supporting

Also known as the real Herodias

Wife of Herod Antipas, vengeful against John the Baptist.

Loulou

supporting

Also known as poor Loulou

Félicité's beloved pet parrot, a central symbol of her devotion.

Virginia

supporting

Madame Aubain's daughter, who dies young and is mourned by Félicité.

Mannaeus

supporting

A Jewish soldier and confidant of Herodias, involved in palace intrigue.

Vitellius

supporting

Roman proconsul who visits Herod Antipas's palace.

Madame Lormeau

minor

A neighbor and friend of Madame Aubain in the village.

Iaokanann

supporting

John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod and a voice of prophecy.

Aulus

minor

A young Roman officer accompanying Vitellius to the banquet.

Victor

minor

Madame Aubain's son, who goes to sea and dies abroad.

Monsieur Bourais

minor

Also known as Bourais

A lawyer and friend of Madame Aubain who manages her affairs.

Phanuel

minor

Also known as Presently Phanuel

A Pharisee and prophet who warns Herod about Iaokanann.

Paul

minor

Madame Aubain's nephew, briefly mentioned in her household.

Jacim

minor

A servant in Herod's palace, involved in the plot against Iaokanann.

Colmiche

minor

An old beggar woman cared for by Félicité in her final years.

The Marquis de Grémanville

minor

A nobleman who courts Madame Aubain but fails to marry her.

Eleazar

minor

A Jewish rebel leader mentioned in the context of Herod's rule.

Liébard

minor

Also known as Mother Liébard

An elderly peasant woman who helps Félicité with chores.

Mother Simon

minor

Also known as Old Mother Simon

A village woman who assists Félicité during her illness.

Jonathas

minor

Also known as Jonathas the Sadducee

A Sadducee who debates with the Pharisees at Herod's court.

Agrippa

minor

King Agrippa, a political figure mentioned in the Herodias story.

Fabu

minor

A servant in Herod's household, involved in palace duties.

Marcellus

minor

A Roman centurion under Vitellius's command.

Sisenna

minor

A Roman officer attending the banquet at Machaerus.

Théodore

minor

A young man who briefly works for Madame Aubain as a servant.

Nastasie Barette

minor

A laundress who works for Madame Aubain's household.

The Baron de Larsonnière

minor

A nobleman who visits Madame Aubain's home briefly.