The Confession of a Child of the Century

Main Characters and Their Development

• Octave — the main character of the novel, a young man experiencing a deep internal crisis. His development goes through stages of despair, disillusionment in love, and attempts to find meaning in life. At the beginning of the book, he is full of romantic illusions, but after being betrayed by his beloved, he falls into depression and cynicism. Gradually, he begins to seek solace in philosophy and friendship, which helps him gain a new perspective on life.
• Brigitte Pierson — Octave's beloved, a woman with a complicated past. She also experiences her own internal conflicts and doubts. At the start of their relationship, she seems like an ideal to Octave, but over time their bond becomes a source of suffering for both. Brigitte strives for independence and self-discovery, which ultimately leads to their separation.
• Desgenais — a friend of Octave, who plays an important role in his life. He represents a model of resilience and common sense, helping Octave deal with his inner demons. Desgenais supports Octave in difficult times and helps him find a path to self-discovery and inner peace.