Madeleine

Paul's Mistress

Paul's mistress, a thin brunette with a coarse and unfaithful nature, who flirts with other men and drives Paul to suicide.

I

Mentioned as Mademoiselle Cachelin, the sister with a million francs, though not directly present.

IV

Cora, Lesable's wife, shares his desire for a child and the inheritance. She encourages his efforts in the countryside but becomes sharp-tongued and critical when they fail, lashing out at her husband.

Indiscretion

The wife, Henrietta, who initiates the role-play and questions Paul about his previous mistresses, revealing her curiosity and desire for novelty.

II

Henriette, Parent's ex-wife, is described as having a haughty air and appearing younger and well-fed, leaning on Limousin's arm.

A New Year's Gift

Irène is Jacques' mistress, who stages a dramatic test on New Year's Eve to gauge his commitment. She is emotional, manipulative, and ultimately triumphant.

The Orderly

The Colonel's wife, who drowns herself and writes a letter confessing her affair and blackmail.

The Mask

The old dancer's wife, who recounts her husband's lifelong infidelity and her own painful, conflicted feelings as he aged.