The Charterhouse of Parma is a novel about a young Fabrizio del Dongo, son of a nobleman who grows up on Lake Como in the lake district of Italy. He decides he wants to become a soldier in the French army and so travels north with a false passport, and the only only money that he has are the diamonds that Gina, his aunt, gave to him.

He is apprehended once, but his charms allow him to be released, despite his imperfect French. He finds himself fighting in the famous Battle of Waterloo, with only a horse he purchased en route. A general whose horse has fallen takes Fabrizio’s, and, while on foot, Fabrizio kills a Prussian soldier. Fabrizio encounters a girl, Clelia, and her father who are traveling to Milan when he is arrested on false passport charges. Fabrizio gives them a ride, when, after their arrest, they are compelled to walk. Gina sends Fabrizio to a theological seminar in Naples, but this calling is not enough to distract him from falling for an actress, Marietta. In an accident of mistaken intentions, Fabrizio kills Marietta and escapes from Parma. Nevertheless, he is apprehended and sentenced to imprisonment in Parma’s Farnese Tower. Gina finally sneaks him out, but the jailer’s daughter, Clelia, becomes Fabrizio’s new love interest. Back in Parma, Fabrizio is appointed archbishop and is a popular preacher. Clelia takes a wealthy husband, but eventually takes Fabrizio as a lover and has his child. Both soon die, and Fabrizio lives a quiet, retired life at the titular Charterhouse of Parma.

Gina Pietranera, the spirited Duchess of Sanseverina, is a woman of remarkable beauty and intelligence. Widowed at a young age, she captivates the court of Parma with her charisma and political acumen. As the mistress and later wife of Count Mosca, she navigates the complexities of court life with precision and foresight. Gina's influence is profound, helping to orchestrate Fabrizio's escape from imprisonment and facilitating various political intrigues, all while maintaining her own delicate balance of power. Despite the court's assumptions about her relationship with Fabrizio, she never openly acknowledges any inappropriate bonds. Her actions are sometimes impulsive, yet often strategically calculated, revealing a multifaceted character driven by both emotion and intellect.

Count Mosca, Gina's devoted lover and a prominent political figure, serves as a prime minister under two different rulers. His relationship with Gina begins with a successful courtship that defies social expectations, leading to a marriage of convenience that benefits both parties politically. Mosca is a complex character, embodying both the qualities of a Machiavellian strategist and a generous nobleman. His affections for Gina are genuine, and his willingness to forsake his political ambitions for her happiness illustrates his deep commitment. Despite his clear-headed cynicism, Mosca remains a pivotal figure in Fabrizio's life, offering both support and rivalry as he navigates the intricacies of court life.

Clelia Conti, known for her beauty and grace, is the daughter of Count Conti, a traitorous figure in the Parmese military. Her life is marked by conflicting loyalties, as she falls for Fabrizio, her father's prisoner. Clelia's vow never to see Fabrizio again is ultimately broken by an overwhelming love that leads her to defy her marriage vows to a marchese. Her relationship with Fabrizio is fraught with tension and passion, culminating in the birth of their child. Tragically, Clelia's story ends in sorrow, as she perishes shortly after the death of her child, leaving Fabrizio to ponder the impermanence of his romantic pursuits.

Father Blanés, a priest-astrologer, plays a pivotal role in shaping Fabrizio's spiritual and...

Marietta Valsera, a young actress of modest talent, inadvertently becomes entangled in Fabrizio's dramatic life. Her involvement with him leads to a violent confrontation with her jealous lover, Giletti, whom Fabrizio kills in self-defense. This incident propels Fabrizio into a scandal, culminating in his arrest. Despite the danger to herself, Marietta remains loyal, protecting Fabrizio's identity and ultimately serving as a symbol of fleeting conquest rather than lasting affection.

Ludovico, a trusted servant of Duchess Gina, is a steadfast ally and protector of Fabrizio. His valor and cunning make him an invaluable asset in navigating the dangerous intrigues of court life. Ludovico plays an instrumental role in aiding Fabrizio's escapes and in supporting the imaginative poet Ferrante, who orchestrates Fabrizio's eventual release from prison. His loyalty and courage are crucial in safeguarding Fabrizio from numerous threats.

Count Conti, Clelia's father and a corrupt militia officer, oversees the prison where Fabrizio is incarcerated. His willingness to participate in conspiracies against Fabrizio highlights his treachery. Count Conti's actions, driven by self-interest and betrayal, create significant obstacles for Fabrizio, intensifying the young nobleman's struggles within the Parmese court.

Rassi, a shrewd lawyer of plebeian origins, is adept at exploiting the Parmese court's power dynamics to his advantage. His ability to sell preferment and navigate the nobility's intricate social structures positions him as a formidable and opportunistic figure within the novel's political landscape.

Fausta, a renowned soprano, captures Fabrizio's imagination and elevates his romantic aspirations. Her presence in his life serves as an inspiration, spurring Fabrizio to embrace his poetic and idealistic inclinations. Fausta's influence is fleeting, yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression on Fabrizio's romantic sensibilities.

Giletti, Marietta's unscrupulous protector and lover, becomes a catalyst for crisis when he attacks Fabrizio out of jealousy. The ensuing confrontation leads to Giletti's death, an event that ensnares Fabrizio in scandal and hastens his arrest. Giletti's role as a foil in the narrative underscores the volatile and perilous nature of Fabrizio's adventures.