Father Goriot

Main Characters and Their Development

• Eugène de Rastignac - a young student from the provinces who comes to Paris with ambitions and a desire to succeed. Throughout the narrative, he encounters the cruelty and cynicism of Parisian society, which forces him to reconsider his moral principles and adapt to his surroundings. Eugène gradually becomes more pragmatic and determined, striving for social and financial success.
• Jean-Joachim Goriot - a former successful merchant who went bankrupt trying to provide for his daughters. He lives in Madame Vauquer's boarding house and suffers from his daughters' ingratitude, as they use him only for money. Goriot symbolizes paternal love and self-sacrifice, and his tragic fate underscores the cruelty and selfishness of those around him.
• Vautrin - a mysterious and charismatic resident of the boarding house who is actually an escaped convict. He offers Eugène help in achieving success, but his methods are immoral and dangerous. Vautrin embodies the dark side of society, where power and money outweigh morality.
• Delphine de Nucingen - one of Goriot's daughters, married to a wealthy banker. She uses her father for money but also feels some attachment to him. Delphine seeks freedom and independence, but her actions are often selfish and unscrupulous.
• Anastasie de Restaud - another daughter of Goriot, married to Count de Restaud. She also exploits her father for her own interests and leads a lavish lifestyle. Anastasie embodies the hypocrisy and ingratitude characteristic of high society.