# Guy de Maupassant — Short Fiction character guide > Guy de Maupassant in Short Fiction by Guy de Maupassant. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** M. Guy de Maupassant, M. de Maupassant, de Maupassant, M. d'Apreval **First appearance:** 0000-guy-de-maupassant ## Snapshot The author himself, stepping into his own frame stories as a young man who watches his cousin's precocious love and his family's fatal romantic inheritance. ## Who they are At seventeen, the narrator—Maupassant's stand-in—lives on the Bertillon estate with his widowed mother and the orphaned little Santèze, a boy who dreams in the elm avenue and begs for love stories at his aunt's knee. The narrator watches this sentimental child court him with flowers and whispered 'I love you,' amused and complicit, never guessing how far the family's passionate legacy will carry. His retrospective guilt—'I was guilty, very guilty'—gives the tale its confessional weight. ## In the story ### [Guy de Maupassant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/guy-de-maupassant) The author himself, central figure of the chapter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) James analyzes Maupassant's literary theories and style, discussing his views on objectivity, psychology, and originality. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ii) James analyzes Maupassant's literary techniques, themes, and character portrayals across his works. ### [Short Fiction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/short-fiction) Author of the collected short stories. ### [The Dead Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-dead-hand) The narrator and friend of Pierre, who recounts the story of the skinned hand and its aftermath. ### [XXVI: What Was Said at Madame Labotte’s, the Fruiterer’s, 26, Rue de la Maraicherie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/xxvi-what-was-said-at-madame-labotte-s-the-fruiterer-s-26-rue-de-la-maraicherie) Narrator of the chapter, presenting the gossip and its spread through Balançon. ### [XXVIII: “This Story Will Show You That, if You Want to Save a Fellow Creature from Blows and Believe That It Is Better to Rescue a Cat Than a Man, You Will Excite the Anger of Your Neighbours. All Roads Lead to Rome—But Metempsychosis Leads to the Lunatic Asylum.”—Balançon Star](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/xxviii-this-story-will-show-you-that-if-you-want-to-save-a-fellow-creature-from-blows-and-believe-that-it-is-better-to-rescue-a-cat-than-a-man-you-will-excite-the-anger-of-your-neighbours-all-roads-lead-to-rome-but-metempsychosis-leads-to-the-lunatic-asylum-balan-on-star) Narrator of the story. ### [XXX: How the Proverb—“The Madder One Is, the More One Laughs”—Is Not Always Quite True](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/xxx-how-the-proverb-the-madder-one-is-the-more-one-laughs-is-not-always-quite-true) Narrator of the chapter, observing the conflict between Heraclius and Dagobert. ### [On the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/on-the-river) The narrator who rents a cottage on the Seine and listens to the boating man's tale. ### [Lieutenant Laré’s Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/lieutenant-lar-s-marriage) Author of the story. ### [Les Dimanches d'Un Bourgeois](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/les-dimanches-d-un-bourgeois) The authorial presence shaping the narrative perspective. ### [Two Famous Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/v-two-famous-men) Narrator of the chapter, describing Patissot's visits to Meissonier and Zola. ### [Suicides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/suicides) The narrator who presents the letter and reflects on the phenomenon of suicide. ### [In the Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/in-the-spring) The narrator, who is swept up by the spring atmosphere and becomes infatuated with a young woman on the boat. ### [An Adventure in Paris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/an-adventure-in-paris) Narrator of the story, reflecting on women's curiosity and the provincial woman's adventure. ### [A Christmas Eve Festival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-christmas-eve-festival) The narrator, a guest at his cousin's château, participates in the Christmas Eve events and observes the peasants' behavior. ### [The Log](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-log) Narrator of the story within the frame; recounts the anecdote about Julien and Bertha. ### [Words of Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/words-of-love) Author of the chapter, which is presented as a letter from a man named René to his lover Sophie. ### [Marroca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/marroca) The narrator and author, who recounts his love affair in Algeria and his observations on the intense sensual love in the climate. ### [The Shepherd’s Leap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-shepherd-s-leap) The narrator who recounts the story of the Shepherd's Leap. ### [The Bed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-bed) The narrator who buys the chasuble and discovers the hidden letters. ### [Relics of the Past](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/relics-of-the-past) Author of the letter, writing as Adélaide to Colette. ### [Magnetism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/magnetism) Narrates the story of the bachelors' dinner and the skeptic's tales. ### [Guillemot Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/guillemot-rock) Narrator describing the guillemot hunting tradition and the hunters' annual pilgrimage. ### [A Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-son) Narrator of the frame story; present at the dinner where the Academician tells his tale. ### [Travelling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/travelling) The narrator who recounts the tragic story of the two boys and reflects on the power of memory. ### [A Corsican Bandit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-corsican-bandit) The narrator traveling through Corsica and hearing the bandit's story. ### [Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/dreams) The author among the five friends, who has read Baudelaire and tried hashish, but is skeptical of the doctor's praise of ether. ### [The Burglar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-burglar) The narrator of the story, who participates as a cuirassier and later as prosecutor in the mock trial. ### [The Lock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-lock) The narrator of the story, recalling his first amorous adventure as a young man. ### [My Uncle Sosthène](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/my-uncle-sosth-ne) The narrator and nephew of Sosthène; a skeptical freethinker who orchestrates the prank on his uncle. ### [Correspondence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/correspondence) Author of the chapter, though not a character within it. ### [A Widow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-widow) The author of the story, though not directly mentioned in the excerpt. ### [A Parricide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-parricide) Author of the story, presenting the narrative of the parricide. ### [A Norman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-norman) Narrator traveling through Normandy, observing the landscape and Father Matthew's antics. ### [The Relic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-relic) Author of the story, though not a character within the narrative. ### [Fear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/fear) The narrator, present on the steamer and recounting the conversation. ### [The Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-will) Authorial presence implied as the narrator recounts the tale. ### [The Wolf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-wolf) Author of the story, present as the narrator of the frame tale. ### [The Kiss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-kiss) Author of the chapter, writing in the voice of the old aunt. ### [My Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/my-wife) Narrator of the story, recounting the dinner party and Pierre Létoile's tale. ### [The Snipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-snipe) Narrator of the chapter, describing the baron and the snipe ritual. ### [Artfulness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/artfulness) Author of the story, though not directly present in the narrative. ### [The Legend of Mont Saint-Michel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-legend-of-mont-saint-michel) The narrator who visits Mont Saint-Michel and recounts the legend. ### [Minuet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/minuet) Narrator of the frame story, introducing Jean Bridelle's tale. ### [Mother and Daughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/mother-and-daughter) The narrator who recounts the story of the Comtesse Samoris and her daughter, having learned details from his servant Joseph. ### [Christmas Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/christmas-eve) Narrator of the frame story, introducing Henri Templier's tale. ### [The Substitute](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-substitute) Narrator of the story, recounting the tale told by a captain. ### [Monsieur Jocaste](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/monsieur-jocaste) The narrator who recounts the story and defends the actions of Pierre Martel. ### [Beside a Dead Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/beside-a-dead-man) The narrator who listens to the German's story and reflects on Schopenhauer's influence. ### [Father Judas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/father-judas) The narrator who visits the tarn and hears the legend from Father Joseph. ### [Feminine Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/feminine-men) The author presents a personal essay on the nature of 'feminine men' in France, using his own observations and societal critique. ### [An Apparition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/an-apparition) Author of the story, though not directly present in the narrative. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator who sets the scene in the railway carriage. ### [A Surprise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-surprise) Narrator of the story, raised by his uncle the abbé Loisel, later lives in Paris with his brother and a lover named Louise. ### [The Mother of Monsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-mother-of-monsters) The narrator who visits the mother of monsters and later reflects on a similar case at a fashionable watering-place. ### [He?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/he) The narrator, speaking in first person, recounts his terror of solitude and his decision to marry to avoid being alone at night. ### [The Window](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-window) The narrator, M. de Brives, who recounts his failed courtship and the scandalous incident. ### [Timbuktu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/timbuktu) Narrator of the story, framing the encounter and the major's tale. ### [My Uncle Jules](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/my-uncle-jules) The narrator of the frame story, who observes Joseph Davranche giving alms to a poor man. ### [Hydrophobia?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/hydrophobia) Author of the story, writing in the voice of the female narrator. ### [Caresses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/caresses) The author is referenced as the discoverer of the letters, signed as Maufrigneuse, found in a pocketbook at the Madeleine. ### [A Duel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-duel) Author of the story, depicting the post-war tension between French and Prussian characters. ### [Friend Patience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/friend-patience) The narrator and protagonist, an inspector of finances who reunites with his old friend Patience. ### [The Funeral Pile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-funeral-pile) The narrator who witnesses the cremation and reflects on its meaning. ### [Miss Harriet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/miss-harriet) Narrator present in the drag as one of the seven travelers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator, a young painter, describes his carefree wandering life and his fascination with Miss Harriet. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ii) The narrator and painter, who befriends Miss Harriet and observes her peculiar behavior and growing attachment. ### [The Orient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-orient) The narrator who visits his friend and recounts the conversation about the Orient and opium. ### [A Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-party) The author narrates the story of Maître Saval's misadventure in Paris. ### [The Odyssey of a Prostitute](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-odyssey-of-a-prostitute) The narrator who encounters the prostitute and recounts her story. ### [A Coup d'État](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-coup-d-tat) The narrator, observing the events with a critical eye, highlights the absurdity and farce of the political situation. ### [A Humble Drama](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-humble-drama) The narrator who meets Miss Harriet and recounts her story. ### [A Wise Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-wise-man) The narrator and childhood friend of Blérot, who observes the destructive effects of Blérot's marriage and later the resolution. ### [The Model](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-model) Narrator of the frame story, observing the couple on the beach. ### [Practical Jokes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/practical-jokes) The narrator, who recounts his experiences with practical jokes, both as a victim and as a perpetrator in his youth. ### [The Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-hand) The author is implicitly present as the storyteller, but the narrative is framed through the magistrate's voice. ### [Waiter, a Bock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/waiter-a-bock) The narrator who encounters his old friend in a beer hall and is shocked by his decline. ### [Letter Found on a Drowned Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/letter-found-on-a-drowned-man) Author of the story, presenting the letter as a found document. ### [Misti](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/misti) The narrator, a bachelor who recounts his affair with a married woman and his fondness for her husband. ### [A Coward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-coward) Author of the story, presenting a psychological portrait of a man confronting his own fear. ### [Rose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/rose) Author of the story. ### [A Traveller's Notes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-traveller-s-notes) The narrator and observer of the journey, providing commentary on fellow passengers and the scenery. ### [An Idyll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/an-idyll) Author of the story, which depicts a chance encounter between two Italian travelers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator, who returns to Virelogne after fifteen years and recalls the Savage family. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The author, whose narrative voice presents the office scene. ### [Happiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/happiness) The narrator of the frame story, who sets the scene of the evening conversation. ### [Solitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/solitude) The narrator, who listens to his friend's monologue and reflects on whether the man was drunk, mad, or inspired. ### [My Landlady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/my-landlady) Author of the story, though the narrative is told by the character George Kervelen. ### [Châli](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ch-li) Narrator of the frame story, setting the scene for the Admiral's tale. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator, a first lieutenant in the navy, recounts his expedition to Central India and his experiences with the rajah and the young girls. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) Narrator describing the storm and the scene at the café. ### [The Horrible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-horrible) Narrator of the frame story, present at the gathering where the general tells his tales. ### [A Memory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-memory) The narrator, a young clerk in Paris, recalling a Sunday adventure from twelve years ago. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator who recounts Pierre Jouvent's story about travel and Italy. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, who returns to Genoa and seeks out Francesca. ### [What the Colonel Thought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/what-the-colonel-thought) The author, who frames the colonel's tale within the narrative. ### [Bed No. 29](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/bed-no-29) Author of the story, narrating the tale of Captain Épivent and Irma. ### [Nerves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/nerves) The narrator and observer of the events at the watering-place. ### [Fear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/fear) The narrator who recounts the train journey and the conversation about fear. ### [The Tomb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-tomb) Author of the story, presenting a courtroom drama centered on necrophilia and obsessive love. ### [The Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-confession) Author of the story, providing narrative perspective. ### [Mad?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/mad) The narrator of the story, who recalls his encounter with Jacques Parent and is deeply disturbed by the demonstration of magnetism. ### [Unmasked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/unmasked) The narrator and friend of Henri Sidoine, who listens to his story about his English wife. ### [Mohammed-Fripouille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/mohammed-fripouille) The narrator, listening to Captain Marret's story on the rooftop in Algiers. ### [Berthe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/berthe) The author, mentioned as the listener to the doctor's tale. ### [The Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-confession) Author of the story, framing the confession within the funeral of a respected man. ### [The Closet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-closet) Narrator of the story, recounting his personal experience. ### [For Sale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/for-sale) The narrator, who walks along the Brittany coast and becomes enchanted by a house for sale. ### [The Christening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-christening) The author, present as the listener to the doctor's tale. ### [Blue and White](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/blue-and-white) The narrator, who rows out on the Mediterranean with his friend Pol and reflects on the beauty and terror of the natural world. ### [Our Friends the English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/our-friends-the-english) The narrator who finds and copies the diary, and the implied author of the satirical observations. ### [Letter from a Madman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/letter-from-a-madman) The narrator of the letter, who describes his psychological breakdown and philosophical crisis. ### [Old Mongilet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/old-mongilet) Narrator of the frame story, recounting Old Mongilet's tale. ### [Roger's Method](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/roger-s-method) The narrator who walks with Roger and prompts the telling of the story. ### [In a Railway Carriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/in-a-railway-carriage) Author of the story, narrating the events from an omniscient perspective. ### [Checkmate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/checkmate) The narrator, who observes and attempts to seduce a young married woman during a voyage to Corsica. ### [The Hairpin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-hairpin) The narrator who visits the reclusive Frenchman and hears his story. ### [My Twenty-Five Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/my-twenty-five-days) The narrator who finds and copies the diary of the previous hotel guest. ### [A Madman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-madman) Author of the story, presenting the judge's diary as a discovered document. ### [The Woodcocks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-woodcocks) The narrator, writing to a friend from Normandy, describing his hunting life and recounting the story of Gargan. ### [Ça Ira](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-ira) The authorial voice, implied as the narrator who travels to Barvilles and reflects on the past. ### [The Wreck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-wreck) The narrator and protagonist, acting as the Company's agent to inspect the wreck and witness for the defense. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ii) The narrator and guest at the Chantal dinner, who becomes king of the Twelfth Night cake and chooses Mademoiselle Pearl as queen. ### [The Hermit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-hermit) The narrator who visits the hermit and later recounts the hermit's story. ### [On Cats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/on-cats) The narrator and author, who recounts his experiences with cats, dreams, and a stay at a castle in Thorence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator, observing the sunset and reflecting on the beauty of Antibes. ### [Julie Romain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/julie-romain) The narrator who encounters Julie Romain's villa and engages her in conversation about her past. ### [A Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-family) The narrator, reflecting on the changes in his friend and the grim reality of family life. ### [Are We to Teach Latin?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/are-we-to-teach-latin) The narrator, a young student at the Institution Robineau, who orchestrates the match between Piquedent and the laundress. ### [The Marquis of Fumerol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-marquis-of-fumerol) Narrator as the Vicomte Roger de Tourneville, recounting the family's mission to his uncle. ### [The Farmer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-farmer) The author, present as the narrator in the frame story. ### [A Cry of Alarm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-cry-of-alarm) The recipient of the letter and the narrator of the chapter, who publishes the letter as a warning. ### [Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/love) The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on a past hunting experience that revealed the nature of love. ### [Clochette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/clochette) The narrator as a child, who adored Clochette and was deeply affected by her death and the doctor's story. ### [Madame Hermet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/madame-hermet) The narrator who visits the asylum and recounts Madame Hermet's story, expressing his fascination with madness. ### [Epiphany](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/epiphany) The author, who frames the story through the captain's recollection. ### [One Night's Entertainment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/one-night-s-entertainment) Author of the story, narrating Varajou's misadventure. ### [The Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-door) The author, who frames the story as a narrative told by Karl Massouligny. ### [The Horla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-horla) The narrator of the story, who experiences a gradual descent into madness and paranoia as he believes he is being haunted by an invisible being. ### [Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/night) The narrator and protagonist, whose intense love for the night leads him into a harrowing experience of isolation and existential dread. ### [The Dead Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-dead-woman) Narrator of the story, recounting his grief and the supernatural vision. ### [Madame Husson's May King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/madame-husson-s-may-king) The narrator who listens to Marambot's story and visits the old fortress. ### [The Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-father) The narrator who visits Jean de Valnoix and hears the story. ### [Moiron](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/moiron) Narrator of the frame story, introducing M. Maloureau's tale. ### [The Rival Pins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-rival-pins) Narrator of the story, though not directly named in the excerpt. ### [Our Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/our-letters) The narrator and discoverer of the hidden letters in Aunt Rose's room. ### [The Cripple](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-cripple) The narrator, who recounts the chance encounter on a train and reflects on the story of Captain Revalière. ### [A Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/a-portrait) The narrator, who observes and reflects on the portrait and M. Milial's charm. ### [One Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/one-evening) The narrator who listens to Trémoulin's story under the stars. ### [Allouma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/allouma) Narrator and protagonist, a French colonist in Algeria who becomes infatuated with Allouma. ### [Allouma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator who reflects on the Arab race and his relationship with Allouma. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ii) The narrator of the story, reflecting on his relationship with Allouma and her sudden departure. ### [In Port](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/in-port) Narrator of the story, setting the scene in the port. ### [The Mask](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-mask) The narrator who describes the ball and the doctor's discovery of the old man behind the mask. ### [The Putter-to-Sleep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-putter-to-sleep) The narrator who meditates on suicide and dreams of the Institute of Voluntary Death. ### [Mouche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/mouche) The narrator who recounts his youthful adventures on the Seine with his friends. ### [Useless Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/useless-beauty) The author's perspective on beauty and its societal role is woven throughout the chapter. ### [Who Knows?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/who-knows) The narrator of the story, experiencing a bizarre and haunting series of events. ### [The Horla (First Chapter)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/i) The narrator of the story, a recluse who lives alone and experiences a terrifying supernatural event. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/ii) The narrator of the chapter, who travels extensively and discovers his stolen furniture in a Rouen antique shop. ### [Graveyard Sirens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/graveyard-sirens) Author of the story, though not directly present in the narrative. ### [After](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/after) Narrator of the story, presenting Abbé Mauduit's confession. ### [The Pedlar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/the-pedlar) The narrator, reflecting on a past memory from his youth when he was a boating enthusiast living in Argenteuil. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/chapters/endnotes) The author whose works are cited throughout the endnotes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/characters/guy_de_maupassant - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_23_se/characters