Daisy Miller

Main Characters and Their Development

• Daisy Miller - a young, beautiful, and independent American woman traveling through Europe. She attracts attention with her free-spirited behavior and unwillingness to adhere to strict social norms, which elicits mixed reactions from those around her. Throughout the book, Daisy faces judgment and misunderstanding but remains true to her principles, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
• Frederick Winterbourne - a young American living in Geneva who meets Daisy in Switzerland and becomes enchanted by her. He tries to understand and evaluate her behavior, torn between admiration and disapproval. Winterbourne symbolizes the conflict between the old and new worlds, tradition and freedom.
• Mrs. Costello - Winterbourne's aunt, a member of high society who disapproves of Daisy's behavior and warns her nephew against associating with her. She embodies the strict social norms and prejudices prevalent in society at the time.
• Randolph Miller - Daisy's younger brother, an energetic and willful boy who also does not fit into European behavioral norms. His character highlights the contrast between American and European cultures.
• Mr. Giovanelli - Daisy's Italian suitor who accompanies her in Rome. He provokes jealousy in Winterbourne and becomes the source of rumors and gossip surrounding Daisy. Giovanelli represents the image of the European seducer who, however, does not take his relationship with Daisy seriously.