Poetry · Character

Madeline

A devout maiden who fasts and prays on St. Agnes' Eve, hoping the old ritual will reveal her future husband in a dream.

major

Also known as fair Madeline, mine, thee

First appearance: i

As a major figure in Poetry, Madeline is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The central female character, a young maiden who devoutly follows St.

In the storyThe Eve of St. AgnesOpen this moment free

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Madeline moves through the cold, torch-lit halls of a feudal castle, surrounded by revelers and old retainers who half-believe the legends she trusts completely. Her piety is sincere, but it leaves her vulnerable to the…

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See Madeline in i

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Romantic
Other

Character groups

Endymion's quest characters
Extended mythological and narrative cast
Protagonist

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the King, overwhelmed by his own confession, reveals Bertha’s…

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Relationships

Saturn
romantic · ambivalent
Madeline is a dreamy young woman infatuated with Saturn, mistaking his melancholy for… How this plays out →
Saturn
romantic · ambivalent
Madeline is a dreamy young woman infatuated with Saturn, mistaking his melancholy for… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Madeline in i

In the story

Madeline appears across 30 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Eve of St. Agnes
The central female character, a young maiden who devoutly follows St. Agnes' Eve rituals to dream of her future lover.
V
The Lady whose heart brooded on love and St. Agnes' saintly care.
VII
Lost in thought, yearning for St. Agnes' dreams, she ignores the festivities around her.
VIII
Dances with vague, anxious eyes, absorbed in thoughts of St. Agnes and the bliss to come.
IX
The object of Porphyro's desire; he longs to gaze upon her unseen.
XII
The child addressed by Angela, urged to flee for her safety.
XIII
Sought by Porphyro; her whereabouts are the subject of his urgent question.
XIV
Madeline is mentioned as playing the conjurer this very night, engaging in rituals.
XV
Asleep in lap of legends old, the subject of Angela's tale and Porphyro's emotional response.
XIX
The object of Porphyro's secret observation, expected to undress for bed.
Chapter XX
The lady referred to, whose lute and wedding are central to the plan.
Chapter XXI
The maiden whose chamber is described as silken, hushed, and chaste; the object of Porphyro's secret visit.
XXII
St. Agnes' charmed maid rises unaware like a mission'd spirit, then turns and leads Angela down to a safe level matting.
XXIII
Madeline hurries into her room, closes the door, and is overcome with silent, voluble emotion, her heart swelling with eloquence.
XXV
Kneels in prayer, bathed in moonlight, appearing saintly and pure.
XXVI
Undresses for bed, pensive and dreaming of St. Agnes.
XXVII
Madeline is depicted in a vulnerable, dreamlike state, trembling in her nest and gradually falling into a poppied sleep, her soul fatigued away.
XXVIII
Asleep in her chamber, unaware of Porphyro's presence.
XXIX
Present in bed as the faded moon casts a dim silver twilight.
The Eve of St. Agnes
Sleeps deeply, described with azure-lidded sleep in blanched linen.
XXXI
The sleeping beloved whom Porphyro addresses, calling her his 'seraph fair'.
XXXII
Shaded in her dream by dusk curtains, lost in a midnight charm impossible to melt.
XXXIV
Awakens from her dream, weeping and moaning as she gazes at Porphyro.
XXXV
Madeline speaks to Porphyro, expressing her sorrow and fear of being left alone.
XXXVI
The object of Porphyro's passion; he enters her dream.
XXXVII
Madeline speaks, lamenting that Porphyro will leave her to fade and pine, feeling like a deceived and forlorn dove.
XXXVIII
Addressed as sweet dreamer and lovely bride, the object of Porphyro's devotion.
XXXIX
Addressed as 'my love' and urged to arise and flee.
XL
Hurries at Porphyro's words, beset with fears, descending the dark stairs.
XLI
Glides like a phantom alongside Porphyro.

Chapter companion notes

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See Madeline in i

See Madeline in The Eve of St. Agnes