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Short Fiction · Character

Madame Delisle

An old Creole widow whose memories of the war and lost elegance still shape the stories she tells and the world she inhabits.

supporting

Also known as Madame, old Madame

First appearance: after the winter

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, Madame Delisle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Bertrand's grandmother, who is initially depressed over money troubles but later recognizes the tramp as her long-lost husband.
In the storyA Wizard from GettysburgOpen this moment free

Madame Delisle appears in Short Fiction as supporting figure.

Madame Delisle first appears in 0019 after the winter.

With Lawyer Paxton (professional): Lawyer Paxton is Madame Delisle's legal advisor, handling her affairs with professional detachment. With Lawyer Paxton (professional): Lawyer Paxton is Madame Delisle's legal advisor, handling her affairs with professional detachment. With Lawyer Paxton (professional): Lawyer Paxton is Madame Delisle's legal advisor, handling her affairs with professional detachment.

See Madame Delisle in A Wizard from GettysburgBook page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

48 connections

A slice of how Madame Delisle sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

SÉSépincourtLPLawyer PaxtonDÉDésiréeLBLa belle ZoraïdeSBSeraphine BedautMDMadame Delisle

Relationship types

  • Professional
  • Other

Character groups

  • Family secrets and hidden desires
  • Return, secrets, and passion
  • Legal and social struggles
  • Mysterious origins and tragedy
  • Devotion and convenience

+43 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Mrs. Mallard reaches the emotional and psychological peak of her e…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Madame Delisle in after the winter

In the story

Madame Delisle appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Madame Delisle unlock in the free preview.

See Madame Delisle in after the winter
See Madame Delisle in A Wizard from Gettysburg
Who is Madame Delisle in Short Fiction?