Character guide

Sylvia Bailey

major

Also known as Sylvia, Madame Bailey, Madame Wachner, Sylvie, Mrs. Bailey

A young English widow who becomes entangled with the mysterious Wachners at Lacville.

Madame Wolsky

major

Also known as Wolsky, Anna Wolsky, Anna, Poor Madame Wolsky

A fortune-teller at Lacville who warns Sylvia of danger and becomes a key figure in the mystery.

William Chester

major

Also known as Chester, Bill Chester, Bill, Mr. Chester

A young Englishman who befriends Sylvia and grows suspicious of the Wachners' intentions.

Comte Paul de Virieu

supporting

Also known as Paul de Virieu, de Virieu, Count Paul de Virieu, Count, M. le Comte

A French aristocrat and gambler who is drawn into the dangerous circle around Sylvia.

Monsieur Wachner

supporting

Also known as Wachner, the Wachner, Fritz Wachner, Fritz

The enigmatic husband of Madame Wachner, whose true nature is gradually revealed.

Madame Cagliostra

supporting

Also known as Cagliostra, Madame

A rival fortune-teller at Lacville who provides cryptic warnings to Sylvia.

M. Polperro

supporting

Also known as Polperro, Monsieur Polperro, little Polperro

A cheerful Frenchman who frequents the casino and provides comic relief.

Madame Malfait

minor

Also known as Malfait, Poor Malfait, Madame

A woman at Lacville who becomes a victim of the Wachners' schemes.

Monsieur Malfait

minor

Also known as M. Malfait, Malfait

The husband of Madame Malfait, who seeks revenge for her death.

George Bailey

minor

Also known as the late George Bailey, honest George Bailey

Sylvia's deceased husband, whose memory influences her decisions.

Marie-Anne d'Eglemont

minor

Also known as Anne, Marie-Anne

A young woman mentioned in connection with the Wachners' past.

L'Ami Fritz

minor

Also known as Fritz, Ami Fritz

A nickname or reference used in conversation, possibly related to the Wachners.

Madame Polperro

minor

Also known as Madame

The wife of M. Polperro, briefly mentioned in the narrative.

Mrs. Meeks

minor

Also known as this Mrs. Meeks

An Englishwoman at Lacville who interacts with Sylvia.

The Englishman

minor

Also known as Englishman, the young Englishman

A generic Englishman at the casino, possibly a minor acquaintance.

The Empress Eugénie

minor

Also known as Empress Eugénie

A historical figure mentioned in passing, not a character in the story.

The Marquis de Para

minor

Also known as Marquis de Para

A gentleman-in-waiting to the Empress, mentioned in a historical context.

Sophie

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant.

Duchesse

minor

Also known as Dear Duchesse

A titled woman mentioned in correspondence or conversation.

Annette

minor

A minor character, possibly a maid or acquaintance.