Marie Shabata

Emil Bergson

Emil and Marie share a passionate, forbidden love that ultimately leads to tragedy.

Frank Shabata

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

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Marie are close friends, though Alexandra is unaware of Marie's secret romance with Emil.

Carl Linstrum

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

Emil Bergson

Emil and Marie share a passionate, forbidden love that ultimately leads to tragedy.

Emil Bergson

Emil and Marie share a passionate, forbidden love that ultimately leads to tragedy.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Marie are close friends, though Alexandra is unaware of Marie's secret romance with Emil.

Frank Shabata

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

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Marie are close friends, though Alexandra is unaware of Marie's secret romance with Emil.

Carl Linstrum

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

Carl Linstrum

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

Frank Shabata

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

Part II: Neighboring Fields

Marie is at the center of the chapter's events, her relationship with Emil and Frank highlighted.

The Divide Transformed

A vivacious young woman with a merry contralto voice, driving a cart. She is cheerful and sociable, but mentions her husband Frank's crankiness.

IV

Referred to as little Marie Tovesky; now married to Frank and living on Carl's old farm; admired by Alexandra for her energy and spirit.

V

Goes duck hunting with Emil but is overcome with pity for the birds, echoing Ivar's philosophy.

VI

Greets Alexandra and Carl enthusiastically, shows them the orchard, and later comforts Frank after his outburst.

VIII

Marie makes butter, then picks cherries in the orchard with Emil, discussing trees, religion, and relationships before a tense emotional exchange.

Chapter IX

Watches from the basement doorway, her 'tiger eyes' flashing, causing Emil to stop his playful antics with Angélique.

XI

Mentioned as Alexandra's only friend besides Carl; Emil is obsessed with her, recalling her at the fair and imagining her love.

I

Marie is introspective and troubled, brooding over her marriage to Frank and her feelings for Emil. She finds comfort in her faith and in memories of Emil's letters.

II

Referenced as someone whose mind Alexandra might have guessed if she had more imagination.

Part IV: The White Mulberry Tree

Emil's beloved, trapped in an unhappy marriage; she meets Emil secretly and is killed by her husband Frank.

I

Dressed in a Bohemian costume and coral earrings, she is excited to see Emil and questions him eagerly; later feels a chill from Alexandra's calm.

II

Irritated with everyone, including Alexandra; admits she ran away with Frank because she was in love with him but now regrets it; confesses her love for Emil.

III

Referenced as having told Emil that Alexandra is a handsome woman.

V

Marie is consumed by her love for Emil and her loneliness. She decides to let Emil go, believing she must sacrifice her own happiness to avoid harming others.

Chapter VI

Marie is found asleep in the orchard, exhausted by her 'new life of perfect love.' She awakens in Emil's arms, whispering that she was dreaming and pleading not to have her dream taken away.

VII

Shot by her husband Frank while meeting Emil in the orchard; she dies after crying out.

VIII

Found dead beside Emil, having bled from gunshot wounds, with a look of contentment.

III

Discussed as the object of Emil's love, remembered for her beauty and vitality.