# Déruchette — Toilers of the Sea character guide > Déruchette in Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Déruchette, Bonnie Dundee, Durande Déruchette Lethierry **First appearance:** 0020-i-prattle-and-smoke ## Snapshot Lethierry's beautiful, bright-eyed niece, a creature of song and sunlight whose innocent heart becomes the quiet prize around which the whole island's hopes turn. ## Who they are Déruchette flits through her uncle's house like a goldfinch, chirping and singing, adored by Lethierry and watched from afar by Gilliatt. She is kind, uncalculating, and largely unaware of the depths of feeling she stirs in the men around her. Her choice, when it comes, will quietly decide the fates of everyone who loves her. ## Relationships ### [Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt) _romantic_ Déruchette is the object of Gilliatt's deep, unrequited love, though she ultimately marries another. ### [Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/mess_lethierry) _family_ Déruchette is Mess Lethierry's beloved niece and ward, living under his care. ### [Rev. Mr. Caudray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/rev_mr_caudray) _romantic_ Déruchette falls in love with and eventually marries Reverend Caudray, the young clergyman. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ The Man Rock is the site of Gilliatt's ordeal for Déruchette's sake, symbolizing the barrier between them. ### [Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt) _romantic_ Déruchette is the object of Gilliatt's deep, unrequited love, though she ultimately marries another. ### [Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/mess_lethierry) _family_ Déruchette is Mess Lethierry's beloved niece and ward, living under his care. ### [Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt) _romantic_ Déruchette is the object of Gilliatt's deep, unrequited love, though she ultimately marries another. ### [Rev. Mr. Caudray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/rev_mr_caudray) _romantic_ Déruchette falls in love with and eventually marries Reverend Caudray, the young clergyman. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ The Man Rock is the site of Gilliatt's ordeal for Déruchette's sake, symbolizing the barrier between them. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ The Man Rock is the site of Gilliatt's ordeal for Déruchette's sake, symbolizing the barrier between them. ### [Rev. Mr. Caudray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/rev_mr_caudray) _romantic_ Déruchette falls in love with and eventually marries Reverend Caudray, the young clergyman. ## In the story ### [Toilers of the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/toilers-of-the-sea) Introduced as Lethierry's niece, a beautiful and kind young woman. ### [Book I: The History of a Bad Reputation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-i-the-history-of-a-bad-reputation) Referenced as a young woman of interest, possibly linked to Gilliatt's affections and the social dynamics of the island. ### [A Word Written on a White Page](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-a-word-written-on-a-white-page) A charming young girl dressed for church, who writes 'Gilliatt' in the snow before disappearing toward Ivy Castle. ### [Book II: Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-mess-lethierry) Mess Lethierry's niece, living with him and described as beautiful and kind. ### [IV: One Is Vulnerable Where One Loves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-one-is-vulnerable-where-one-loves) Mentioned as one of Mess Lethierry's two special objects of affection. ### [Book III: Durande and Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-durande-and-d-ruchette) Introduced as Lethierry's niece, named after the Durande, and central to Lethierry's affections. ### [I: Prattle and Smoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-prattle-and-smoke) Portrayed as a delicate, innocent, and charming young woman, raised by her uncle Lethierry, with a smile that defines her essence. ### [Lethierry's Exaltation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-lethierry-s-exaltation) Mentioned as one of Lethierry's two objects of delight, living with him at the Bravées. ### [The Same Godfather and the Same Patron Saint](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-the-same-godfather-and-the-same-patron-saint) Referred to as Lethierry's niece and godchild, named after the saint Durande, and raised delicately with music and reading. ### [VIII: “Bonnie Dundee”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-bonnie-dundee) Occupies the prettiest room at the Bravées, sings 'Bonnie Dundee,' and is described as joyful, beautiful, and graceful. ### [X: Long Yarns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/x-long-yarns) Playfully scolds Mess Lethierry for the smell of pitch and his tarpaulin coat; is amused by his long yarns about distant lands. ### [Matrimonial Prospects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xi-matrimonial-prospects) Approaching womanhood, still unmarried, raised with refined tastes; her dreams of a husband are ethereal, contrasting with her uncle's ideal. ### [An Anomaly in the Character of Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xii-an-anomaly-in-the-character-of-lethierry) Mentioned as accompanying Lethierry to church on rare occasions and as the recipient of his advice not to marry a clergyman. ### [Thoughtlessness Adds a Grace to Beauty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xiii-thoughtlessness-adds-a-grace-to-beauty) Portrayed as thoughtless, happy, and playful, living entirely in the moment without concern for past actions or future consequences. ### [Streaks of Fire on the Horizon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-streaks-of-fire-on-the-horizon) Déruchette is the young woman who wrote Gilliatt's name in the snow, triggering his obsessive thoughts. ### [The Unknown Unfolds Itself by Degrees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-unknown-unfolds-itself-by-degrees) Déruchette is seen watering lettuces, singing at her piano, and conversing with Mess Lethierry; Gilliatt observes her preferences for flowers and perfumes. ### [The Air 'Bonnie Dundee' Finds an Echo on the Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-air-bonnie-dundee-finds-an-echo-on-the-hill) Hears the melody 'Bonnie Dundee' played on the bagpipe during dark nights, but is not much pleased. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv) Approaching her twenty-first year, still unmarried, and may have smiled at Gilliatt once. ### [How an Idler Had the Good Fortune to Be Seen by a Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-how-an-idler-had-the-good-fortune-to-be-seen-by-a-fisherman) Mentioned as the object of Gilliatt's reverie; Sieur Landoys hints she should look for a husband. ### [The Pearl at the Foot of the Precipice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-pearl-at-the-foot-of-the-precipice) Sits weeping, holding Mess Lethierry's hand, her sorrow expressed through joined hands suggesting a glimmer of hope. ### [III: A Quotation from the Bible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-a-quotation-from-the-bible) Anxiously cares for Lethierry, removes his ship's papers and compass, and silently witnesses the visit of the clergymen. ### [VIII: Importunæque Volucres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-importun-que-volucres) Appears in Gilliatt's dream, singing at the Bravées in St. Sampson. ### [Book III: The Struggle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-the-struggle) Gilliatt sees her marriage to another man upon his return, leading to his tragic end. ### [Part III: Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/part-iii-d-ruchette) The chapter centers on Déruchette, highlighting her character and her role in the unfolding narrative. ### [The Harbour Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-harbour-bell) Mentioned as walking in the garden at the Bravées; her isolation from the community's gossip is noted. ### [The Harbour Bell Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-harbour-bell-again) Sitting in the garden, she is approached by a stranger who proposes marriage; she appears surprised and moved. ### [Gratitude and Despotism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-gratitude-and-despotism) Lethierry's niece, whose future is subject to his despotic decisions. ### [Joy Surrounded by Tortures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-joy-surrounded-by-tortures) Enters the room silently and sits behind Lethierry, observing the scene without speaking, her presence noted as she exchanges looks with Mr. Caudray. ### [The Leathern Trunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-leathern-trunk) Mentioned as having risen and gone out; Lethierry comments on her being unwell the previous night. ### [Book III: The Departure of the Cashmere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-the-departure-of-the-cashmere) Departs on the Cashmere with her new husband, unaware of Gilliatt's feelings. ### [Despair Confronts Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-despair-confronts-despair) Found with Caudray in the Havelet, weeping and pleading with him not to leave; she recognizes Gilliatt and is torn between love and loyalty to her uncle. ### [III: The Forethought of Self-Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-forethought-of-self-sacrifice) Marries Caudray, dressed in white, experiencing a mix of sorrow and joy. ### [IV: For Your Wife: When You Marry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-for-your-wife-when-you-marry) Newly married to Caudray, she is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, accepting Gilliatt's gift and offering a kind smile before departing. ### [The Great Tomb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-the-great-tomb) Seen on the deck of the Cashmere, sitting with Caudray, her head on his shoulder, as they sail away. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/deruchette - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters