Character guide

Lambert Strether

major

Also known as Strether, Mr. Strether, Lewis Lambert Strether

American editor sent to Paris to retrieve Chad Newsome, becomes deeply involved in European life.

Chad Newsome

major

Also known as Chad, Mr. Chad

Young American man living in Paris, transformed by his relationship with Madame de Vionnet.

Maria Gostrey

major

Also known as Miss Gostrey, Gostrey, Mamie, Marie

American expatriate and friend who guides Strether through Parisian society.

Madame de Vionnet

major

Also known as Marie de Vionnet, de Vionnet

Elegant French woman with whom Chad has a profound relationship, central to the plot.

Sarah Pocock

supporting

Also known as Sarah, Sally, Pocock

Chad's sister, sent to Paris to bring him home, represents New England propriety.

Waymarsh

supporting

Also known as Mr. Waymarsh, poor Waymarsh

Strether's American friend, a lawyer who accompanies him to Europe.

Mrs. Newsome

supporting

Also known as Newsome

Chad's wealthy, domineering mother who orchestrates Strether's mission.

Little Bilham

supporting

Also known as John Little Bilham, Bilham, Mr. Bilham

Young American artist and friend of Chad, living in Paris.

Jim Pocock

supporting

Also known as Jim, Pocock, poor Jim

Sarah's husband, a cheerful but unrefined American businessman.

Miss Barrace

supporting

Also known as Barrace, brilliant Miss Barrace

Witty American expatriate and social observer in Paris.

Jeanne de Vionnet

supporting

Also known as Jeanne, Little Jeanne, Miss Jeanne

Madame de Vionnet's young daughter, innocent and sheltered.

Mamie Pocock

minor

Also known as Mamie, Maria

Jim's sister, a sweet-natured young woman from America.

Gloriani

minor

Also known as Madame Gloriani

Famous sculptor who hosts a key garden party in Paris.

Mr. Newsome

minor

Also known as the late Mr. Newsome

Deceased husband of Mrs. Newsome, mentioned as a past figure.

Monsieur de Vionnet

minor

Estranged husband of Madame de Vionnet, rarely appears.

Baptiste

minor

Madame de Vionnet's loyal butler.

Monsieur de Montbron

minor

French nobleman mentioned in social circles.

Countess

minor

Unnamed aristocratic woman in Parisian society.