Character guide

Edna Pontellier

major

Also known as Edna, VI Edna Pontellier, The Pontellier, XIX Edna, XXIII Edna

The protagonist, a married woman awakening to her own desires and independence.

Robert Lebrun

major

Also known as young Robert Lebrun, Lebrun, Mr. Robert

A charming young man who becomes the object of Edna's romantic awakening.

Léonce Pontellier

supporting

Also known as Mr. Pontellier, Pontellier, that dear Mr. Pontellier, Léonce

Edna's wealthy, conventional husband who values social appearances.

Alcée Arobin

supporting

Also known as Arobin, Mr. Arobin

A seductive, worldly man who pursues Edna after Robert leaves.

Mademoiselle Reisz

supporting

Also known as Mademoiselle, a Mademoiselle Reisz

A reclusive pianist who inspires Edna with her passionate music.

Adèle Ratignolle

supporting

Also known as Madame Ratignolle, Ratignolle, Madame, The old Madame, Adèle

Edna's friend, a devoted mother-wife embodying Creole womanhood.

Victor Lebrun

minor

Also known as Victor

Robert's younger brother, a flirtatious and carefree young man.

Madame Lebrun

minor

Also known as Madame

Owner of the Grand Isle cottages and mother of Robert and Victor.

Doctor Mandelet

minor

Also known as the Doctor, Dr. Mandelet, Mandelet

The Pontellier family physician who observes Edna's transformation.

Mariequita

minor

A young Spanish girl who flirts with Victor and Robert at Grand Isle.

Monsieur Ratignolle

minor

Also known as Mr. Ratignolle

Adèle's kind, devoted husband and a pharmacist.

Mrs. James Highcamp

minor

Also known as Mrs. Highcamp

A society woman who socializes with Edna in New Orleans.

Mr. and Mrs. Merriman

minor

Also known as Mrs. Merriman, Mr. Merriman

A married couple who attend social gatherings with Edna.

Madame Antoine

minor

An elderly woman who hosts Edna and Robert on the Chênière Caminada.

Miss Mayblunt

minor

Also known as a Miss Mayblunt

A young woman who attends Edna's dinner party.

The Colonel

minor

Edna's stern, disapproving father who visits briefly.

Beaudelet

minor

Also known as Only Beaudelet

A boatman who ferries characters between Grand Isle and the mainland.

Old Monsieur Farival

minor

Also known as old Monsieur Farival, Monsieur Farival

An elderly man who plays the violin at social events.

Old Celestine

minor

Also known as Celestine, old Celestine

The Pontellier family's elderly servant.

Tonie

minor

A fisherman who helps Edna during her swim.

Ellen

minor

Edna's younger sister, mentioned in her memories.

Raoul

minor

Edna and Léonce's young son.

Etienne

minor

Edna and Léonce's younger son.

Sister Janet

minor

Also known as Janet

A nun at the convent school Edna attended as a girl.

Klein

minor

A hotel keeper on Grand Isle.

Gouvernail

minor

Also known as Mr. Gouvernail

A journalist friend of Arobin who attends Edna's dinner.

Margaret

minor

Edna's older sister, mentioned in her past.

Joe

minor

A servant at the Pontellier household.

Mrs. Belthrop

minor

Also known as Belthrop

A society acquaintance of Edna's in New Orleans.

Mr. Highcamp

minor

Husband of Mrs. Highcamp, a minor social figure.

Catiche

minor

A servant at the Lebrun cottage on Grand Isle.