# Maddalena — Adam’s Breed character guide > Maddalena in Adam’s Breed by Radclyffe Hall. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Maddalena Trevi, V Maddalena, the watchful Maddalena, the silent Maddalena, VI Maddalena, III Maddalena **First appearance:** 0000-book-i ## Snapshot A Campagna-born wife who traded sheep bells and vineyards for a London kitchen, she pours a boundless maternal love into a husband who cannot return it. ## Who they are Maddalena Trevi leaves her father's trattoria and the sunlit Campagna to marry Gian-Luca in London, where her whole world narrows to one man. Childless and devout, she kneels and pleads with him for affection, then turns to the Madonna and Father Antonio for the patience she cannot summon alone. Her faithful, aching heart—and the question she dare not finish asking—makes her the emotional center of the novel's early and middle life. ## Relationships ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _romantic_ Gian-Luca and Maddalena share a deep, passionate romantic bond, marked by intense emotional connection and frequent interactions. ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _romantic_ Gian-Luca and Maddalena share a deep, passionate romantic bond, marked by intense emotional connection and frequent interactions. ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _romantic_ Gian-Luca and Maddalena share a deep, passionate romantic bond, marked by intense emotional connection and frequent interactions. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/book-i) Appears as a significant character, likely connected to Gian-Luca. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Gian-Luca's wife, grieving over childlessness. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xi) Gian-Luca's wife, whose grief over childlessness and eventual farewell are pivotal. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xii) Gian-Luca bids her farewell. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xiii) Bids farewell to Gian-Luca. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/book-ii) Gian-Luca's wife, dealing with grief over childlessness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) New to the Doric, homesick from Rome, shares her past with Gian-Luca, works in the still-room. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Blushes and prays to make a good impression during family inspection. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Dressed in white, accepts Gian-Luca unconditionally, and offers maternal comfort. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Takes Gian-Luca to the Italian church and persuades him to marry in a church, seeking a blessing on their love. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Wants to live with Aunt Ottavia; pleased to have her own kitchen. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Pale and lovely in her wedding dress; prays for many children. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) The bride, also shy and quiet, expresses contentment with no honeymoon, prioritizing Gian-Luca's happiness. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Devoted wife who senses Gian-Luca does not truly love her; sacrifices her own time and comfort to please him, growing resigned. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Devout and loving wife who prays constantly for Gian-Luca, longs to cook for him, and treasures their monthly day off. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Lonely and yearning for a child, she feels she has inherited Gian-Luca's loneliness and dreams of a son with ashen blond hair. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Visits Father Antonio and the church, then Aunt Ottavia. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Accompanies Gian-Luca to Brighton; saves the extra money from his raise. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Grieves over her childlessness, loves Gian-Luca with desperate maternal devotion, hides her fears behind a patient and strong facade. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Gian-Luca's mother, who grieves over her childlessness and struggles with her son's independence. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Waits for Gian-Luca, tries to comfort him and reminds him of England's shelter. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/viii) Hides her relief at Gian-Luca's non-combat role, prays to the Madonna that he never gets transferred. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ix) Angry at Teresa's coldness, but promises to help Rosa at Gian-Luca's request. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Gian-Luca's wife; they meet, marry, and she grieves their inability to have children. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Visits the Casa Boselli daily and serves in the old shop, only vaguely suspecting the full extent of the trouble. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Anxious about Gian-Luca's brief letters and prays for his safety, consulting Father Antonio for reassurance. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Observes the crisis, admires Teresa's grit, but resolves to protect Gian-Luca's savings. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Visits Teresa in the evenings, sharing news of Gian-Luca in France, hoping to soften Teresa's attitude toward him. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Stays on as head of new assistants; writes guardedly to Gian-Luca about events. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Inherits Aunt Ottavia's wealth, sells the house, and prays fervently for Gian-Luca's safety, longing for his return. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Overjoyed at Gian-Luca's return but becomes anxious and unhappy as she notices his changed behavior; prays to the Madonna for help. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Gian-Luca shares his thoughts on Doria's poem with her, referencing her God. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Deeply anxious about Gian-Luca's change; seeks reassurance from Father Antonio and struggles with fear of being hated. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Gian-Luca's wife, happy to see him joyful again. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Sleeps through Gian-Luca's outburst, moaning in her sleep as if sharing his suffering. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Gian-Luca smiles at her and assures her of Doria's genius after his wild night. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Fears for Gian-Luca's health, tries to protect him, is struck by him, and prays silently in distress. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Brings Gian-Luca his dinner, feels lonely and homesick for Italy, longs to show Gian-Luca the footprint in stone. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Watches Gian-Luca from the window with 'questioning desolate eyes,' symbolizing her childlessness and their strained relationship. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Gently comforts Gian-Luca, strokes his hair, forgives him for striking her, and sits by him as he sleeps. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Wakes Gian-Luca from his nightmare and soothes him like a child. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Nurses Gian-Luca with devotion, but her grief over childlessness and loneliness is palpable. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Nurses Gian-Luca with care and patience, though she cannot understand his need to revisit the source of his sadness. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Comforts Gian-Luca but is infected by his sadness; urges him to find peace in the Church. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Maddalena is mentioned as having been visited by Millo, who arranges for Gian-Luca to see a doctor. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Gian-Luca goes home to her after the doctor's visit to assure her he is sound. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/viii) Overjoyed at the prospect of returning to Italy; describes her cousins Sisto and Lidia and the farm near Levanto. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Travels with Gian-Luca, obediently walks when he insists, and rejoices in his hopeful words. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Easily integrates with the peasants, rolling up her sleeves to gather grapes, contrasting with Gian-Luca's detachment. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Gian-Luca; whispers to him that the vendemmia is better in Romagna, but does not want to offend Sisto. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) First encountered by Gian-Luca, becoming a central figure in his life. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Anxious about Gian-Luca's discomfort; pleads for patience and reminds him of his improving health. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Feels ashamed of Gian-Luca's lack of religion; grows fond of Lidia and enjoys peasant life; struggles to accept Gian-Luca's view that animals suffer. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Horrified and ashamed by Gian-Luca's act, her face red with embarrassment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Reluctant to leave the farm, hopeful that Gian-Luca is recovering. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Defends Gian-Luca's actions and confronts Lidia and Sisto. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Weeps during the journey, grieves the unhappy ending of their visit, and is consoled by Gian-Luca. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Accepts Gian-Luca's decision quietly, tries to learn finances, and expresses her devotion. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Grows afraid and refuses to leave Gian-Luca's side; protests his shabby clothes and his giving away of belongings; takes pride in his appearance. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as weak and unable to control Gian-Luca, according to Millo. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Fiercely resists Gian-Luca's departure, then surrenders with a maternal blessing. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Gian-Luca's wife who packs his suitcase with flannels, food, and lavender sprigs; he feels gratitude and guilt toward her. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xi) Gian-Luca bids her farewell. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Exchanged brief letters with Gian-Luca; he keeps his promise to write weekly. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as no longer present to remind Gian-Luca to eat. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xii) Gian-Luca's wife, who grieves their childlessness and struggles to understand his condition. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Gian-Luca resolves not to write home for money so as not to rob her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Writes a heartfelt letter expressing her love, loneliness, and childless grief, pleading for Gian-Luca's return. ### [Epilogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/epilogue) Parting from Gian-Luca, embodying the grief and finality of their separation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Brings the death letter to Teresa, plans the journey to Lyndhurst, and rebukes Teresa for her past coldness toward Gian-Luca. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Expresses doubt in God's mercy and superstitious dread over Gian-Luca's unshriven death. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Kisses Gian-Luca's forehead, weeps for her unborn children and for Gian-Luca, experiencing profound sorrow. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/maddalena - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters