Boule de Suif

Main Characters and Their Development

• Elisabeth Rousset, known as Boule de Suif, is the main character, a prostitute with a kind heart and patriotic feelings. She shows courage and determination when she agrees to travel in the stagecoach with other passengers to leave the occupied town. Boule de Suif becomes a victim of the hypocrisy and selfishness of her companions, who initially scorn her but later exploit her sacrifice for their own benefit. Her development reveals her true kindness and patriotism, despite being initially presented as a woman of easy virtue.
• Countess Hubert de Bréville is one of the stagecoach passengers, a member of the upper class. She initially despises Boule de Suif but later uses her sacrifice when it becomes advantageous. Her development highlights the hypocrisy and selfishness inherent in some members of the upper class.
• Count Hubert de Bréville, the Countess's husband, also travels in the stagecoach. He supports his wife's attitude towards Boule de Suif, demonstrating the same traits of hypocrisy and selfishness.
• Monsieur and Madame Carré-Lamadon are bourgeois who also travel in the stagecoach. They represent typical middle-class individuals who care only about their own interests and are willing to use others for their purposes.
• Cornudet is a democrat and revolutionary who also travels in the stagecoach. He initially supports Boule de Suif but ultimately succumbs to public opinion and fails to defend her when necessary.