# La Esmeralda — Notre-Dame de Paris character guide > La Esmeralda in Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Esmeralda, poor Esmeralda, the unhappy Esmeralda **First appearance:** 0008-vi-esmeralda ## Snapshot A gypsy dancer whose tambourine and beauty stop all of Paris, she keeps an amulet and a vow that guard her from every man. ## Who they are Esmeralda earns her bread dancing in the Place du Parvis, protected by the Duke of Egypt and her whole tribe, and loved from afar by a captain, a poet, and a priest. She wears an amulet said to lead her to her lost parents, but only so long as she remains chaste, a superstition she guards as fiercely as her freedom. Her light, fearless presence draws the story's darkest hungers toward her, and her whistle, given her by Quasimodo, becomes the one thread of rescue in the night. ## Relationships ### [Pierre Gringoire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/characters/pierre_gringoire) _social_ Esmeralda is married to Gringoire in name only, tolerating him as a harmless companion but feeling no romantic attachment. ### [Pierre Gringoire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/characters/pierre_gringoire) _social_ Esmeralda is married to Gringoire in name only, tolerating him as a harmless companion but feeling no romantic attachment. ### [Pierre Gringoire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/characters/pierre_gringoire) _social_ Esmeralda is married to Gringoire in name only, tolerating him as a harmless companion but feeling no romantic attachment. ## In the story ### [VI: Esmeralda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-esmeralda) Her appearance in the Place de Grève causes the remaining audience to abandon Gringoire's play; she is the object of everyone's fascination. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-ii) A beautiful and mysterious dancer who captivates Gringoire and is the target of Quasimodo's kidnapping attempt. ### [III: Kisses for Blows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iii-kisses-for-blows) Dances in the Place de Grève, captivating the crowd with her beauty and skill; identified as a gypsy when a copper piece falls from her hair. ### [IV: The Inconveniences of Following a Pretty Woman Through the Streets in the Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-the-inconveniences-of-following-a-pretty-woman-through-the-streets-in-the-evening) The gypsy is followed by Gringoire, becomes uneasy, and is attacked by Quasimodo and another man. She is rescued by Captain Phoebus, asks his name, and then flees. ### [Result of the Dangers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/v-result-of-the-dangers) Gringoire's half-somnolent revery includes aerial figures of the gypsy and her goat. ### [VI: The Broken Jug](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-the-broken-jug) The gypsy dancer, whose beauty commands respect in the Cour des Miracles, saves Gringoire by agreeing to marry him and breaks a crock to seal the union. ### [VII: A Bridal Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vii-a-bridal-night) The gypsy dancer, fiercely protective of her virtue, who questions Gringoire about the meaning of 'Phoebus' and guards a mysterious amulet. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-vi) Her trial and condemnation for witchcraft and murder are central to the chapter, highlighting the injustice she faces. ### [IV: A Tear for a Drop of Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-a-tear-for-a-drop-of-water) Approaches the pillory with her goat and tambourine, gives water to Quasimodo despite his earlier attack on her, and earns the crowd's applause. ### [End of the Story of the Cake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/v-end-of-the-story-of-the-cake) Turns pale and descends from the pillory, staggering, as the recluse's voice pursues her. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-vii) Esmeralda is the object of Frollo's obsession; she is tried and condemned for witchcraft and the attempted murder of Phoebus. ### [The Danger of Confiding One's Secret to a Goat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/i-the-danger-of-confiding-one-s-secret-to-a-goat) Dances in the square with her goat Djali; is called up by Phoebus, enters the chamber, and flees after a tense exchange with Fleur-de-Lys. ### [II: A Priest and a Philosopher Are Two Different Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/ii-a-priest-and-a-philosopher-are-two-different-things) Dances in the Place du Parvis, unaware of Frollo's gaze; described as inoffensive, charming, naive, and protected by an amulet and a dagger. ### [III: The Bells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iii-the-bells) The fantastically dressed young girl who dances in the square with a small goat, capturing Quasimodo's attention and halting his bell-ringing. ### [The Two Men Clothed in Black](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/v-the-two-men-clothed-in-black) Referenced indirectly by Charmolue as the gypsy dancer he plans to prosecute for witchcraft, and by Frollo in his symbolic monologue as the 'poor dancer' and 'predestined fly.' ### [The Effect Which Seven Oaths in the Open Air Can Produce](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-the-effect-which-seven-oaths-in-the-open-air-can-produce) Mentioned by Phoebus as the Bohemian girl with a goat; he fears being seen by her and discloses a planned meeting with her that night. ### [VIII: The Utility of Windows Which Open on the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/viii-the-utility-of-windows-which-open-on-the-river) Expresses her love for Phoebus, breaks her vow, and is later accused of stabbing him. ### [Book VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-viii) Tried, condemned, and sentenced to death for witchcraft and murder; rejects Frollo's advances; rescued by Quasimodo. ### [The Crown Changed Into a Dry Leaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/i-the-crown-changed-into-a-dry-leaf) Esmeralda is on trial, pale and disheveled, desperately asking about Phoebus's fate. ### [Continuation of the Crown Which Was Changed Into a Dry Leaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/ii-continuation-of-the-crown-which-was-changed-into-a-dry-leaf) Subjected to torture, she falsely confesses to witchcraft and murder after her will is broken by the boot. ### [End of the Crown Which Was Turned Into a Dry Leaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iii-end-of-the-crown-which-was-turned-into-a-dry-leaf) The accused, pale and limping after torture, confesses and is condemned to death. ### [IV: Lasciate Ogni Speranza—Leave All Hope Behind, Ye Who Enter Here](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-lasciate-ogni-speranza-leave-all-hope-behind-ye-who-enter-here) Rejects Frollo's advances, remains devoted to Phoebus, and chooses death over being with the priest. ### [Three Human Hearts Differently Constructed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-three-human-hearts-differently-constructed) Condemned to death for witchcraft and murder, she is saved by Quasimodo and faints from shock. ### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-ix) Finds refuge in Notre-Dame, unaware of Frollo's watchful and dangerous obsession. ### [Delirium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/i-delirium) Appears as a spectral vision to Claude Frollo on the tower at midnight, dressed in white and accompanied by her goat Djali; she is dead. ### [II: Hunchbacked, One-Eyed, Lame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/ii-hunchbacked-one-eyed-lame) Recovers from her swoon in the sanctuary, feels gratitude and terror toward Quasimodo, dresses in the novice's robe, and is reunited with Djali, weeping for her grief. ### [Deaf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iii-deaf) Awakens to find Quasimodo at her window, overcomes her fear and repulsion, and compassionately invites him to stay, showing kindness despite his appearance. ### [Earthenware and Crystal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-earthenware-and-crystal) Recovers from trauma, clings to hope of reuniting with Phoebus, and gradually regains her beauty and spirit while sheltered in Notre-Dame. ### [The Key to the Red Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/v-the-key-to-the-red-door) Survives her execution; is seen from afar by Frollo in her chamber with her goat and Quasimodo. ### [Continuation of the Key to the Red Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-continuation-of-the-key-to-the-red-door) Asleep in her cell, dreaming of Phoebus, she is awakened by the priest's intrusion. She resists his advances, blows Quasimodo's whistle for help, and later threatens the priest with a knife, defiantly declaring her belief that Phoebus is alive. ### [Book X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-x) Imprisoned and condemned, she rejects Frollo's advances, remaining devoted to Phoebus, and is ultimately executed. ### [I: Gringoire Has Many Good Ideas in Succession.—Rue des Bernardins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/i-gringoire-has-many-good-ideas-in-succession-rue-des-bernardins) Though not present, her fate is the central subject; she is in sanctuary at Notre-Dame but threatened by a parliamentary decree. ### [An Awkward Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-an-awkward-friend) The refugee for whom Quasimodo keeps guard; the vagabonds seek to rescue her. ### [Châteaupers to the Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vii-ch-teaupers-to-the-rescue) The gypsy Quasimodo was trying to save; her cell is found empty after the battle. ### [Book XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/book-xi) Executed after being captured. ### [The Little Shoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/i-the-little-shoe) Awakened by the assault, she prays in terror and is later hidden by the recluse, but betrays her location by calling out to Phoebus. ### [La Creatura Bella Bianco Vestita](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/ii-la-creatura-bella-bianco-vestita) Executed by hanging; her body is seen quivering on the gibbet, the object of Quasimodo's and Frollo's final gaze. ### [The Marriage of Quasimodo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/iv-the-marriage-of-quasimodo) Her body was taken to Montfaucon after execution; her skeleton is found with a string of beads and an empty silk bag. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/characters/la_esmeralda - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/characters