The Captive

Main Characters and Their Development

• Marcel - the protagonist and narrator, who experiences complex feelings towards Albertine, his beloved. He is obsessed with her, jealous, and tries to control her life, leading to tense relations between them.
• Albertine - Marcel's beloved, a mysterious and independent woman. Her character and behavior provoke jealousy and distrust in Marcel, becoming a central theme of their relationship.
• Françoise - Marcel's servant, who plays an important role in his life, influencing his perception of Albertine and their relationship.
• Baron de Charlus - an aristocrat whose complex personality and relationships with other characters add depth to the storyline.
• Madame Verdurin - a socialite whose salons are frequented by many characters in the novel, influencing social connections and intrigues.