Thérèse Raquin Characters

Thérèse is a nervous, quiet woman who grew up in the care of her aunt, Madame Raquin. She was born in Algeria, but when her mother—an Algerian woman—died, her father brought her to his… read analysis of Thérèse Raquin

Laurent is a young man with an insatiable appetite for pleasure. Originally from the same small town as Camille and Thérèse, he now lives in Paris because his father sent him there for law… read analysis of Laurent

Madame Raquin is an old woman who has lived outside of Paris for many years. After running a haberdashery, she sells the business and saves the profits, planning to live out her old age alongside… read analysis of Madame Raquin

Camille is a frail, sickly young man who grows up alongside his cousin, Thérèse. His mother, Madame Raquin, smothers him with attention, constantly worrying about his health and wellbeing. Tired of living a… read analysis of Camille

Grivet is an older employee at the Orleans Railway, which is where Camille and Laurent work. Camille admires him for making a decent salary, so he invites him to the weekly Thursday gatherings at the… read analysis of Grivet

Olivier is Michaud’s son. Along with his father and wife, Suzanne, he attends the weekly gatherings at the Raquin household. Because he works for the police, Laurent and Thérèse are somewhat nervous around… read analysis of Olivier

Suzanne is Olivier’s wife. She attends the weekly gatherings at the Raquin household with her husband, though she doesn’t talk much when she’s around others. Thérèse finds her unintelligent and boring, but she ends… read analysis of Suzanne

François is the Raquins’ cat. He often watches Thérèse and Laurent as they make love in secret, and though Thérèse thinks it’s funny that the cat knows more about their relationship than Camille and Madame… read analysis of François