Therese Desqueyroux

Main Characters and Their Development

• Therese Desqueyroux: The main character of the novel, Therese is a complex and contradictory figure. She is married to Bernard Desqueyroux, but their marriage is unhappy. Therese feels oppressed and miserable in this marriage, leading her to attempt to poison her husband. Throughout the plot, she undergoes internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, making her character deeply tragic and multi-layered.
• Bernard Desqueyroux: Therese's husband, Bernard is a man of conservative views and strict moral principles. He does not understand or feel his wife's inner world, exacerbating her sense of loneliness and alienation. His illness and subsequent recovery play a key role in the plot's development.
• Anne: Therese's friend, Anne is the only person with whom Therese can openly discuss her feelings and experiences. Anne represents a contrast to Therese, as she is more cheerful and free in her actions.
• Madame Desqueyroux: Bernard's mother, Madame Desqueyroux is a strict and authoritative woman who exerts significant influence over Therese's life. She symbolizes traditional family values and social norms that weigh heavily on the main character.