Frank Shabata

Marie Shabata

Frank and Marie are unhappily married, with Frank's jealousy and possessiveness driving them apart.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra is a neighbor and occasional confidante to Frank, but their relationship is strained by his bitterness.

Emil Bergson

Emil and Frank are rivals for Marie's affection, culminating in Frank's murderous jealousy.

Marie Shabata

Frank and Marie are unhappily married, with Frank's jealousy and possessiveness driving them apart.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra is a neighbor and occasional confidante to Frank, but their relationship is strained by his bitterness.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra is a neighbor and occasional confidante to Frank, but their relationship is strained by his bitterness.

Emil Bergson

Emil and Frank are rivals for Marie's affection, culminating in Frank's murderous jealousy.

Marie Shabata

Frank and Marie are unhappily married, with Frank's jealousy and possessiveness driving them apart.

Part II: Neighboring Fields

Frank's presence and volatile nature are felt in the neighboring fields.

The Divide Transformed

Mentioned by Marie as being cranky because she loaned his saddle to Jan Smirka, and she fears he may not take her to the dance.

IV

Described as a jealous and sulking husband who feels unappreciated; Alexandra tries to get along with him for Marie's sake.

VI

Returns home angry about hogs in his wheat; Marie tries to calm him.

VII

A dashing Bohemian immigrant who courts Marie, elopes with her, and becomes a hardworking but periodically dissolute farmer on the Divide.

VIII

Frank reads about a divorce case, becomes angry at the wealthy, and later goes to a saloon, leaving Marie alone.

I

Frank is mentioned as Marie's difficult husband, whose jealousy and temper contribute to her unhappiness.

Part IV: The White Mulberry Tree

Marie's jealous husband who murders Emil and Marie in a rage.

I

Sits with Marie at supper, staring at her with a brooding, possessive look; seems disconnected from the festivities.

V

Frank hears of Amédée's illness and goes to Sainte-Agnes for discussion at the saloon, leaving Marie alone.

Chapter VI

Frank attends the confirmation service and later plays cards with old Moise Marcel. Emil observes him with calmness, feeling that Frank lacks the spiritual rapture he himself has found.

VII

Consumed by jealousy and rage, Frank shoots Emil and Marie, then flees in terror and guilt.

VIII

His rifle is found near the scene, implicating him in the deaths.

I

Imprisoned for killing Emil and Marie; Alexandra feels he is the least guilty and plans to visit him.

II

Imprisoned for killing Emil and Marie; speaks with Alexandra, expressing remorse and confusion, and accepts her promise to work for his pardon.

III

Mentioned as being in prison for the murder of Emil and Marie.