Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue

Main Characters and Their Development

• Justine – the protagonist, a young woman possessing resilience and virtue. Throughout the narrative, Justine faces a series of misfortunes and trials caused by her unwavering adherence to moral principles.
• Juliette – Justine's sister, her antithesis. She chooses a path of debauchery and vice, which ultimately leads her to success and wealth. Her character development demonstrates the Marquis de Sade's pessimistic view of society and morality.
• Saint-Flor – a nobleman, one of the individuals Justine encounters in her wanderings. He embodies the vices and depravity of the upper society of that time, using his position to satisfy his desires concerning Justine.