# Valérie Seymour — The Well of Loneliness character guide > Valérie Seymour in The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Valérie, Seymour **First appearance:** 0141-iii ## Snapshot A luminous Parisian salon hostess and novelist whose courteous, appraising charm offers Stephen a first glimpse of a life lived without apology. ## Who they are Valérie presides over a Rive Gauche circle where Brockett chatters and guests are weighed and approved, and she reads Stephen at once — though Stephen bristles at being approved for her stigmata rather than her mind. Beneath the social poise lies a pagan chained to a Christian age, a fanatic for beauty who finds Stephen a house in the Rue Jacob and gently insists that one may have many homes. She matters because she models a possible future: a woman of talent and appetite who has made peace with her own nature. ## In the story ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xi) Valérie is a friend and social contact in Paris, representing a more open and accepting circle. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xiv) Valérie is mentioned as a friend who represents a more open and accepting social circle, contrasting with the couple's seclusion. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xvii) Valérie appears as a contrasting figure, representing a more open and unapologetic approach to their shared identity, which both attracts and unsettles Stephen. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxii) Provides a sympathetic ear to Stephen, representing an alternative, more carefree existence. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxiv) Valérie provides a sympathetic ear and companionship for Stephen as Mary withdraws. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxix) Valérie provides a social outlet for Stephen and Mary, representing a more open and accepting world, but also highlighting their differences. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxxi) Valérie provides a contrasting model of independence and acceptance, though her influence is indirect in this chapter. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iv) The hostess, a wealthy bilingual writer of satires and Greek sketches; lives openly and calmly, with many love affairs and no attraction to men. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/v) Valérie hosts Stephen and Brockett, offers to help Stephen find a house, and displays charm and understanding. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/vi) Valérie Seymour is discussed by Stephen and Puddle; Stephen feels Valérie was friendly but possibly liked her for what she is. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxxii) Provides a contrast to Stephen's possessiveness, representing a more open and accepting social circle in Paris. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/i) Expresses delight at Stephen's purchase and offers help, but agrees not to visit until Stephen is settled. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/i) Valérie sends New Year flowers and calls, but Stephen declines her luncheon invitation. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as not having been contacted by Stephen. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned in comparison to Buisson's loathing for the ugliness of the epoch. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxxv) Provides a refuge for Stephen, offering understanding and a sense of calm amidst the turmoil with Mary. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned in Brockett's letter as someone who likes Stephen and is forgiving. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xxxviii) Mentioned as a contrast to Stephen's possessiveness, representing a more open and accepting social circle. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/v) Brockett suggests Stephen take Mary to Valérie's to meet people. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/vii) Sends a cordial invitation to Stephen and Mary, expressing eagerness to renew their acquaintance. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/i) Hosts the reception; creates a welcoming and courageous atmosphere; introduces Stephen and Mary with tact. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Referenced as the one whose lion Stephen is considered to be. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as one of the invited guests for the evening. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Attends the party; talks with Lincoln and leaves after supper. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/xlvi) Valérie is mentioned as a figure of freedom and social life, contrasting with Stephen's possessiveness; Mary goes to visit her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as being dug out of her hole by Jeanne Maurel for the party; expected to be a sobering presence. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/ii) Sits aloof and calm, suggests moving to the next entertainment. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Detached and bored; talks of her villa at St. Tropez; insists on a lemon squash; refuses to dance with the young man. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/v) Dropped off at her flat on the Quai Voltaire. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/l) Valérie is mentioned as a friend and part of the Parisian social circle, representing a more openly accepting environment for Stephen and Mary. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as hosting dull parties; Mary criticizes her as cranky. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/ii) Valérie provides a calm, listening ear and offers Stephen a detached yet supportive friendship, though she is a pagan and a spectator in life. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Influences Stephen; disliked Martin's aunt; inspires jealousy in Mary. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/ii) Stephen visits Valérie more often, arousing Mary's suspicion. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/lvi) Valérie is mentioned as a friend who provides some social outlet for Mary, but her presence also highlights the differences between her carefree life and Stephen and Mary's constrained existence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/i) Valérie is amazed and frustrated by Stephen's request, arguing that Stephen is worth twenty Mary Llewellyns and should not sacrifice her own happiness. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/chapters/iii) Referred to as the person Stephen spent the night with, causing Mary's distress. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/characters/valerie_seymour - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_well_of_loneliness_se/characters