Character list · 10 characters

The Awakening characters

by Kate Chopin, 1899

The main characters of The Awakening, who they are and what they do in the story.

Edna Pontellier

protagonist

Edna is a 28-year-old wife and mother who undergoes a profound personal transformation. She seeks independence and self-expression, challenging the traditional roles expected of her.

Léonce Pontellier

supporting

Léonce is Edna's husband, a successful businessman who values social conventions. He is often perplexed by Edna's behavior and fails to understand her need for autonomy.

Robert Lebrun

supporting

Robert is a charming young man who becomes the object of Edna's affection. His flirtations and eventual departure play a crucial role in Edna's awakening.

Adèle Ratignolle

supporting

Adèle is Edna's close friend, embodying the ideal 'mother-woman.' Her traditional views on womanhood contrast with Edna's growing independence.

Mademoiselle Reisz

supporting

A pianist who represents artistic freedom and independence, Mademoiselle Reisz supports Edna's pursuit of self-discovery and encourages her to embrace her true self.

Alcée Arobin

supporting

Alcée is a notorious womanizer who has a brief affair with Edna. He represents a temporary escape from her constrained life.

Doctor Mandelet

supporting

The family physician who suspects Edna's inner turmoil. He offers her understanding and advice, but Edna remains distant.

Madame Lebrun

supporting

The owner of the cottages on Grand Isle, she is Robert's mother and part of the Creole society that surrounds Edna.

Victor Lebrun

supporting

Robert's younger brother, who provides comic relief and represents youthful exuberance.

The Farival Twins

supporting

Two young girls who often entertain the guests at Grand Isle, symbolizing innocence and the societal expectations placed on women.

Meet them in the book

Read The Awakening free on the 12-month plan, with a tracker, tap-to-translate vocabulary and a quiz at the end.

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