The Portrait of a Lady

Main Characters and Their Development

• Isabel Archer - The protagonist of the novel, a young American woman who travels to Europe to explore the world and gain independence. At the beginning of the book, she is full of enthusiasm and a desire for freedom, but as the story unfolds, she faces challenges and disappointments that lead her to reassess her ideals and views on life.
• Gilbert Osmond - The antagonist of the novel, a skilled manipulator who marries Isabel for her wealth. His selfishness and coldness become apparent as the story progresses, and he becomes a symbol of the constraints and traps Isabel encounters.
• Ralph Touchett - Isabel's cousin, who genuinely cares for her and supports her quest for independence. He is ill and aware that his time is limited, but his wisdom and kindness have a significant impact on Isabel.
• Madame Merle - A mysterious and intelligent woman who plays a crucial role in Isabel's fate. She is a close friend of Osmond and assists him in his plans, but her own motives and feelings remain unclear until the end.
• Lord Warburton - An English aristocrat who falls in love with Isabel and proposes to her. He represents the ideal of stability and traditional values, but Isabel rejects his proposal in pursuit of greater freedom.