The Ladies' Paradise

Main Characters and Their Development

• Denise Baudu – A young woman from the provinces who comes to Paris in search of work. She gets a job at The Ladies' Paradise, where she gradually climbs the career ladder thanks to her diligence and talent. Denise goes through many trials and hardships but ultimately becomes a successful and independent woman.
• Octave Mouret – The owner of The Ladies' Paradise, an ambitious and enterprising businessman. He seeks to expand his business and employs innovative trading methods. At the beginning of the novel, he appears cold and calculating, but gradually his attitude towards Denise changes, and he falls in love with her.
• Bourdoncle – Mouret's deputy, who assists him in managing the store. He is loyal to his boss and supports him in all endeavors, although he sometimes doubts some of Mouret's decisions.
• Clara Prudent – One of the saleswomen at The Ladies' Paradise, who sees Denise as a rival. She envies Denise's success and tries to harm her but ultimately fails.
• Madame Aurélie – The senior saleswoman in the store, who becomes a mentor to Denise. She helps her settle in and shares her experience.
• Jean Baudu – Denise's younger brother, who also comes to Paris. He gets into various troubles, but with the help of his sister and her friends, he finds his way in life.