Samuel Chapdelaine

Maria Chapdelaine

Samuel is Maria's father, a stern but loving pioneer who embodies the harsh life of the Quebec frontier.

Eutrope Gagnon

Eutrope is a neighbor and friend to Samuel, sharing the burdens and camaraderie of pioneer life.

François Paradis

François is known to Samuel as a young woodsman and a potential suitor for his daughter.

Ephrem Surprenant

Ephrem is a fellow settler and friend to Samuel, sharing the challenges of frontier life.

Lorenzo Surprenant

Lorenzo is a neighbor and acquaintance of Samuel, though his city ways create some distance.

Maria Chapdelaine

Samuel is Maria's father, a stern but loving pioneer who embodies the harsh life of the Quebec frontier.

François Paradis

François is known to Samuel as a young woodsman and a potential suitor for his daughter.

Eutrope Gagnon

Eutrope is a neighbor and friend to Samuel, sharing the burdens and camaraderie of pioneer life.

Eutrope Gagnon

Eutrope is a neighbor and friend to Samuel, sharing the burdens and camaraderie of pioneer life.

Lorenzo Surprenant

Lorenzo is a neighbor and acquaintance of Samuel, though his city ways create some distance.

Ephrem Surprenant

Ephrem is a fellow settler and friend to Samuel, sharing the challenges of frontier life.

Maria Chapdelaine

Samuel is Maria's father, a stern but loving pioneer who embodies the harsh life of the Quebec frontier.

I: Peribonka

Maria's father, who regrets living far from church and sings hymns on the journey home.

Home in the Clearing

Passionate about clearing new land; expresses determination to 'make land' with his sons; dismisses concerns about ease and comfort.

IV: Wild Land

Leads the land-clearing effort; works with his sons and hired man; takes a midday nap before resuming work.

The Vows

Participates in the discussion about past hardships and the changes in farming; questions Lorenzo about his intentions regarding the farm.

VI: The Stuff of Dreams

Samuel Chapdelaine leads the haymaking, scans the skies for weather signs, and declares the hay safely under cover.

VII: A Meager Reaping

As head of the family, Samuel shares in the evening talk deploring the drought and frosts.

Entrenched Against Winter

Samuel works with Tit'Bé to haul and saw wood, and later settles by the stove, ensuring the house is supplied with water, wood, and food.

IX: One Thousand Aves

Attempts to clear the road, blames himself for the family's isolation, and leads the children in singing hymns.

Straying Tracks

Expresses sorrow and humility, comparing human frailty to 'little children in the hand of the good God'; suggests having masses said for François.

XI: The Interpreter of God

Takes Maria to La Pipe for mass, hoping the church and meeting acquaintances will help her grief.

XII: Love Bearing Gifts

Samuel questions the Frenchmen about their background and expresses amazement that they left urban trades for farming.

XIII: Love Bearing Chains

Samuel is present in the background, smoking by the stove, silently aware of Maria's dilemma.

XIV: Into the Deep Silence

Tries to reassure his wife; considers fetching medicine; harnesses the horse for the doctor.

That We Perish Not

Sleeps beside his dead wife; reflects on his restless nature and his wife's unwavering support through many moves.