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Father Goriot · Character

Madame Vauquer

The proprietress of the Maison Vauquer, a widow of pretended noble descent who runs her shabby pension with gossip, thrift, and self-serving piety.

supporting

Also known as Mme. Vauquer, Vauquer, Mamma Vauquer

First appearance: Father Goriot

As a supporting figure in Father Goriot, Madame Vauquer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Gossips about Goriot's past and his financial decline, and speculates about his character.
In the storyFather GoriotOpen this moment free

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Mme. Vauquer presides over her lodgers' dinners, rents, and reputations with equal attention, measuring every boarder by the size of their purse and the state of their linen. Her house, its blistered Cupid and dusty…

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The fuller portrait of Madame Vauquer sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

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Character Web

25 connections

A slice of how Madame Vauquer sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

EDEugène de Rast…DDDelphine de Nu…VAVautrinFGFather GoriotSYSylvieMVMadame Vauquer

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Social
  • Other

Character groups

  • Main narrative characters
  • Protagonist

+20 more in the full Character Web

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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In the story

Madame Vauquer appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Madame Vauquer unlock in the free preview.

See Madame Vauquer in Father Goriot