# Clotilde de Marelle — Bel Ami character guide

> Clotilde de Marelle in Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Madame de Marelle, Clotilde

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A witty, unhurried Parisian with a tolerant husband and a taste for pleasure, she becomes Duroy's most enduring mistress.

## Who they are

Clotilde treats love as an amusement rather than a moral crisis, slipping into Duroy's rooms before he is awake and mocking his pompous articles with affectionate irony. Her marriage to a dull, kind agriculturalist gives her the freedom to indulge her appetites without scandal. She is the one woman in Duroy's orbit who sees him clearly, loves him anyway, and refuses to be destroyed by his betrayals.

## Relationships

### [George Duroy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/characters/george_duroy)

_romantic_

Clotilde is George's passionate mistress who remains devoted to him even after he marries others, but he uses her for affection and support.

### [George Duroy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/characters/george_duroy)

_romantic_

Clotilde is George's passionate mistress who remains devoted to him even after he marries others, but he uses her for affection and support.

### [George Duroy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/characters/george_duroy)

_romantic_

Clotilde is George's passionate mistress who remains devoted to him even after he marries others, but he uses her for affection and support.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/ii)

Seated next to Duroy, engages in witty conversation, and captivates him with her charm.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/v)

Duroy's mistress. She is lively and affectionate but becomes hurt and angry when Duroy's bad mood and lack of funds spoil their plans.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/vi)

Arranges a dinner for Duroy to meet her husband, showing her skill in managing her double life.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/vii)

Visits Duroy after the duel, expresses her love, and arranges for him to move into her apartment.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/viii)

Continues her affair with Duroy, visiting him several times a week. He dines at her house every Thursday, and her husband appreciates his company.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/ix)

Distressed upon learning of Duroy's marriage.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/xi)

Duroy's mistress, who reconnects with him and agrees to meet again.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/xiii)

Duroy's affection for her has grown during the summer. They share a carefree and passionate relationship, contrasting with his disgust for Madame Walter.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/xv)

Attends the reception with Duroy, commenting on the Walters' success. She mentions that Laurine remains angry with Duroy.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/chapters/xviii)

Duroy's mistress, who confronts him about his marriage. She is furious and accuses him of being a rascal and a blackguard, leading to a violent altercation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/characters/clotilde_de_marelle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bel_ami_se/characters