# Madame Antoinette Buddenbrook — Buddenbrooks character guide

> Madame Antoinette Buddenbrook in Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Madame Buddenbrook, Madame Antoinette

**First appearance:** 0001-buddenbrooks

## Who they are

The French-born wife of Johann Buddenbrook the Elder, mother of Gotthold.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-i-i)

The elder Madame Buddenbrook, of French-Swiss origin, laughs like her husband and sides with the Consul in family discussions, showing her integration into the family.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-i-iii)

The Consul's mother. She advises caution and postponement regarding Gotthold's letter, worried about being seen as a stepmother who favors her own children and sows discord.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-i-iv)

Hostess, overseeing the dinner. Her past ordeal during the French occupation is the subject of Pastor Wunderlich's story.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-i-vi)

One of the two ladies honored in Lebrecht Kröger's toast.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-i-ix)

Retires to the entresol after the party ends.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-ii-i)

Busily tending to the newborn, dismisses her husband's comparison, and notes how well the baby is eating and gaining weight.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-ii-iv)

Dies after a short illness, her death introducing the 'idea of death' into the household and prompting her husband's philosophical reflections.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters/madame_antoinette_buddenbrook
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters