The Outlaw of Torn · Character

Bertrade de Montfort

A king's niece with a sharp tongue and a prouder heart, she befriends the outlaw her family would hang — and cannot decide what she feels for him.

major

Also known as Lady Bertrade de Montfort, Bertrade of Montfort, Lady Bertrade

First appearance: ii

As a major figure in The Outlaw of Torn, Bertrade de Montfort is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Waves and throws a kiss to Norman from the south tower as he departs.

In the storyChapter VIIOpen this moment free

Daughter of Simon de Montfort and sister to a king, Bertrade moves easily among earls and princes, yet she answers Roger de Condé's plain speech more warmly than any courtier's flattery. She insists the gulf between a king's niece and the Outlaw of Torn is unbridgeable, even while her fingers betray her at farewell. Her sealed summons draws Norman into the heart of the De Montfort household, where love and loyalty collide.

See Bertrade de Montfort in Chapter VII Book page

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

Character Web

29 connections

A slice of how Bertrade de Montfort sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Family
Social
Other

Character groups

Courtly and political players
Protagonist

+24 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Norman of Torn's secret i…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Norman of Torn
romantic · positive
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as… How this plays out →
Henry III
family · ambivalent
Peter of Colfax
social · ambivalent
Earl of Leicester
family · ambivalent
Simon de Montfort
family · ambivalent
Father Claude
friendship · positive
Norman of Torn
romantic · positive
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as… How this plays out →
Norman of Torn
romantic · positive
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as… How this plays out →
Father Claude
friendship · positive
Simon de Montfort
family · ambivalent
Henry III
family · ambivalent
Earl of Leicester
family · ambivalent

Norman of Torn
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as her protector and secret lover.
Henry III
Bertrade is the sister of Henry III, but their relationship is strained by political tensions and her loyalty to Norman.
Peter of Colfax
Peter of Colfax is a minor noble who interacts with Bertrade in courtly social circles.
Earl of Leicester
Bertrade is the sister of the Earl of Leicester, but their relationship is fraught with political disagreement.
Simon de Montfort
Bertrade is the sister of Simon de Montfort, though they are often at odds due to her love for Norman.
Father Claude
Father Claude is a trusted confidant and spiritual advisor to Bertrade, supporting her in secret matters.
Norman of Torn
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as her protector and secret lover.
Norman of Torn
Bertrade and Norman share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Norman often acting as her protector and secret lover.
Father Claude
Father Claude is a trusted confidant and spiritual advisor to Bertrade, supporting her in secret matters.
Simon de Montfort
Bertrade is the sister of Simon de Montfort, though they are often at odds due to her love for Norman.
Henry III
Bertrade is the sister of Henry III, but their relationship is strained by political tensions and her loyalty to Norman.
Earl of Leicester
Bertrade is the sister of the Earl of Leicester, but their relationship is fraught with political disagreement.

Relationship notes

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

See Bertrade de Montfort in ii

In the story

Bertrade de Montfort appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter VII
Waves and throws a kiss to Norman from the south tower as he departs.
VIII
Mentioned as the damsel Norman rescued from knights of Peter of Colfax; her presence is the reason Norman feels he must stay in England.
IX
Determined to return to Leicester despite warnings; captured by Peter of Colfax's men.
The Rescue of Bertrade
Rescued by Norman, she defends him before her family and offers her hand in friendship.
XI
She is glad to see Roger de Condé, engages in flirtatious banter, and later confesses her love for him despite her father's opposition.
XII
Mentioned as having been sent to France by her mother; Norman believes their love is hopeless.
XIII
Haunts Norman's thoughts as he struggles with his feelings for Joan.
Chapter XIV
Norman realizes his heart belongs to her, though she is not present in the chapter.
XV
Arrives in England with her mother and Prince Philip; Norman plans to see her and confess his identity.
XVI
Mentioned as the reason Norman fights for the barons; De Montfort claims she has forgotten Norman.
XVII
Referenced as the victim of Peter of Colfax's base desires, motivating Norman's vengeance.
XVIII
Receives Norman's message, meets him privately, and after a struggle accepts his true identity and reaffirms her love.
XIX
Declares her love for Norman publicly, shields him from attackers, and rushes to his side after he falls.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bertrade de Montfort unlock in the free preview.

See Bertrade de Montfort in ii

See Bertrade de Montfort in Chapter VII