File No. 113 · Character

Madeleine

A servant whose tender, proud heart once pledged itself to Prosper at a shrine, then broke the engagement without explanation and refuses to say why.

supporting

Also known as Mlle. Madeleine, the charming Madeleine

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in File No. 113, Madeleine is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Appears at the study door during the investigation; Fanferlot believes she is romantically involved with Prosper.

In the storyIIIOpen this moment free

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Madeleine moves through the Fauvel household with a delicacy so fine it shows in the smallest habits of her day, and a conscience she will not bend for anyone. When Prosper reappears, her calm shatters for a moment before pride and duty reassert themselves, and she answers his reproaches with the composure of a woman who has already decided to suffer in silence. Her unexplained renunciation of him is one of the early mysteries that keeps the reader turning pages, since the reason she will not speak may be the same reason the crime happened.

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

See Madeleine in i

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Main Investigation Cast
Minor Witnesses & Servants

+17 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Valentine’s psychological state peaks in a crisis of mortal dread and help…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Prosper Bertomy
romantic · positive
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false… How this plays out →
Marquis de Clameran
rivalry · negative
Valentine
friendship · positive
Mme. Fauvel
social · ambivalent
Prosper Bertomy
romantic · positive
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false… How this plays out →
Prosper Bertomy
romantic · positive
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false… How this plays out →
Marquis de Clameran
rivalry · negative
Mme. Fauvel
social · ambivalent
Valentine
friendship · positive
Marquis de Clameran
rivalry · negative
Valentine
friendship · positive
Mme. Fauvel
social · ambivalent

Prosper Bertomy
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false accusation and imprisonment.
Marquis de Clameran
Madeleine is a determined adversary of the Marquis, seeking to protect Prosper and expose the Marquis's crimes.
Valentine
Madeleine and Valentine are close friends, with Madeleine acting as a confidante and protector.
Mme. Fauvel
Madeleine is a trusted acquaintance of Mme. Fauvel, often involved in the household's emotional turmoil.
Prosper Bertomy
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false accusation and imprisonment.
Prosper Bertomy
Madeleine and Prosper are lovers, with a deep emotional bond tested by Prosper's false accusation and imprisonment.
Marquis de Clameran
Madeleine is a determined adversary of the Marquis, seeking to protect Prosper and expose the Marquis's crimes.
Mme. Fauvel
Madeleine is a trusted acquaintance of Mme. Fauvel, often involved in the household's emotional turmoil.
Valentine
Madeleine and Valentine are close friends, with Madeleine acting as a confidante and protector.
Marquis de Clameran
Madeleine is a determined adversary of the Marquis, seeking to protect Prosper and expose the Marquis's crimes.
Valentine
Madeleine and Valentine are close friends, with Madeleine acting as a confidante and protector.
Mme. Fauvel
Madeleine is a trusted acquaintance of Mme. Fauvel, often involved in the household's emotional turmoil.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Madeleine in i

In the story

Madeleine appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
Appears at the study door during the investigation; Fanferlot believes she is romantically involved with Prosper.
VII
Mentioned by Raoul as preparing for a fancy ball at the Jandidier mansions, absorbed in her costume.
VIII
Meets Prosper by chance; breaks off their engagement, citing an invincible obstacle; shows signs of inner struggle and sacrifice.
IX
Her prayerbook, containing cut pages, is presented as material proof.
Chapter X
Visits Raoul at night; leaves scornfully, refusing his hand.
Chapter XI
Dances with the Marquis de Clameran and later sits sadly with Mme. Fauvel, listening to Raoul's conversation.
XVI
Present at the dinner table when Raoul is introduced as a guest.
Chapter XVII
Overhears the marquis's threats and resolves to sacrifice herself by marrying Clameran to protect her aunt's family.
Chapter XVIII
Discussed as a shrewd, self-reliant woman in love with Prosper and ready to fight against marrying Louis; seen as a potential threat by Raoul.
XIX
Begins to doubt her earlier prejudice against Raoul, but later silently supports her aunt as their resources are drained.
Chapter XX
Referenced as the object of Clameran's desire; her marriage to Clameran is the condition for Raoul's full payment.
XXI
Convinced of Prosper's innocence, she secretly sends him money and urges him to leave France, while resisting Clameran's advances.
XXV
Mentioned as the noble girl who confided in Lecoq to clear Prosper's reputation; later marries Prosper.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Madeleine in i

See Madeleine in III