Character guide

Germain

major

Also known as Father Maurice, Maurice

A skilled widowed farmer who is the main protagonist, seeking a new wife.

Marie

major

Also known as Little Marie

A young, kind-hearted woman who becomes Germain's companion and eventual love interest.

Petit-Pierre

supporting

Also known as Pierre, Little Pierre

Germain's young son who accompanies him on his journey.

Father Maurice

supporting

Also known as Maurice

Germain's father-in-law who encourages him to remarry.

Mother Guillette

supporting

Also known as Guillette

A neighbor who arranges the initial match for Germain.

Mother Maurice

supporting

Germain's mother-in-law who cares for Petit-Pierre.

Leonard

minor

Also known as Father Leonard

A local priest who appears in the narrative.

Catherine

minor

A woman Germain considers marrying early in the story.

Bastien

minor

A young man from the village who interacts with Marie.

Sylvain

minor

Also known as Saint Sylvain of Pouligny, little Sylvain

A restless young child mentioned in the narrative.

Jacques

minor

A minor character in the village setting.

Solange

minor

A woman mentioned in the village context.

Fourche

minor

A local character with limited narrative presence.

The Old Gray

minor

An elderly woman encountered during the journey.

The Gravedigger

minor

A figure who appears in a symbolic or narrative scene.