Germinal

Main Characters and Their Development

• Étienne Lantier - the main character of the novel, a young and energetic worker who arrives in the mining town of Montsou in search of work. He becomes the leader of the strike, fighting for the miners' rights. Throughout the events, Étienne undergoes internal conflicts and realizes the complexity of the struggle for justice.
• Catherine Maheu - a miner's daughter who works in the mine from a young age. She feels sympathy for Étienne but is involved with another miner, Chaval. Catherine symbolizes the suffering and sacrifices women endure under harsh working conditions.
• Monsieur Grégoire - the mine owner who lives in comfort and is unaware of the workers' hardships. His character embodies the bourgeoisie, detached from the real problems of the proletariat.
• Cécile Grégoire - Monsieur Grégoire's daughter, who lives in a world of illusions and is unaware of the social injustices around her.
• Chaval - a miner and Étienne's rival for Catherine's affection. He represents brute force and selfishness, willing to betray his comrades for personal gain.
• Souvarine - an old miner who embodies wisdom and experience. He is skeptical of the strike, understanding that it may lead to tragic consequences.