George Duroy

Madeleine Forestier

George marries Madeleine for her connections and writing skills, but their relationship is cold and transactional, with mutual manipulation.

Clotilde de Marelle

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

Charles Forestier

Charles is George's old army friend who helps him enter journalism, but George later betrays him by seducing his wife after his death.

Suzanne Walter

George cynically seduces and elopes with Suzanne, the young daughter of his boss, to secure his fortune and social position.

Jacques Rival

Jacques is a fellow journalist and friend who serves as a professional ally and occasional rival in the Parisian press world.

The Servant

The servant is a household employee who attends to George's domestic needs, reflecting his rising social status.

Norbert de Varenne

Norbert is an older, cynical poet who serves as a mentor figure to George, offering philosophical insights about life and ambition.

Saint-Potin

Saint-Potin is a fellow journalist who provides George with gossip and leads, serving as a useful but low-level professional contact.

Count de Vaudrec

Count de Vaudrec is a wealthy old aristocrat who sees George as a social climber and resents his influence over Madeleine.

Laurine

Laurine is Clotilde's young daughter who initially adores George as a father figure, but later rejects him after his betrayals.

Monsieur Walter

Monsieur Walter is George's boss and newspaper owner, who promotes him but is ultimately deceived by George's seduction of his daughter.

Laroche-Mathieu

George and Laroche-Mathieu compete for political influence and Madeleine's favor, leading to mutual betrayal and hostility.

I

A former soldier with little money, he is handsome and ambitious, feeling the heat and poverty of Paris. He is eager for a love affair and a better life.

II

Attends dinner at Forestier's, feels insecure about his attire, impresses guests with his knowledge of Algeria, and is offered a writing position.

III

Struggles to write his first article, feels the sting of poverty, and seeks guidance from Forestier.

IV

Experiences the thrill of seeing his first article in print, quits his railway job, and begins to learn the trade of a journalist under Forestier's and Saint-Potin's guidance.

V

Frustrated by his slow rise, humiliated by his poverty, and increasingly irritable. He begins an affair with Clotilde de Marelle but is unable to maintain the expenses it entails.

VI

Feels a kinship with a courtesan, dines with his mistress and her husband, and is appointed chief of the reporting staff.

VII

Anxious about the duel, practices shooting, and later meets with Clotilde.

VIII

Now a leader-writer at La Vie Française, he specializes in declamatory articles. He continues his affair with Clotilde and travels to Cannes at Madeleine's request, where he hints at a future marriage with her.

IX

Prepares for marriage, adopts noble name, and informs his mistress.

Chapter X

Returns home with roses for Madeleine, feels vexed at Vaudrec's presence, collaborates on political article, and becomes a political celebrity.

XI

Seeks to stop being called Forestier, rekindles affair with Clotilde, and pursues Madame Walter.

XII

Now a married man, he is ambitious and opportunistic, quickly capitalizing on the political crisis to advance his career. He is also cynical about religion, using a church for a rendezvous.

Chapter XIII

Feels burdened by Madame Walter's affections and tries to break off their relationship. He is intrigued by the political secret she reveals and considers how to profit from it.

XIV

George is preoccupied with public opinion and his reputation, insisting on a division of the inheritance to avoid scandal. He negotiates with the notary and buys a bracelet for Madeleine.

XV

Furious at the Walters' triumph and Laroche-Mathieu's success, he reluctantly attends the reception, feeling poor despite his earlier gains. He agrees to meet Madame Walter in the garden, showing his manipulative nature.

XVI

Coldly rejects Madame Walter's advances, confesses love to Suzanne, and plots to catch his wife in adultery.

Chapter XVII

Now divorced, he orchestrates an elopement with Suzanne Walter to force her parents' consent.

Chapter XVIII

The groom, marrying Suzanne Walter. He is described as proud and good-looking, but his past manipulations and violent temper are revealed in his confrontation with Clotilde.