Germinie Lacerteux

Germinie Lacerteux (zhehr-mee-NEE lah-sehr-TEW) is a character marked by her tragic life circumstances. As an orphan raised by her sisters, Germinie's early years are characterized by hardship and exploitation. She begins her working life at the tender age of fourteen as a waitress, during which time she is seduced, resulting in the birth of a stillborn child. Her life is a series of unfortunate events, with each job she takes being a step further into a cycle of misuse and heartbreak. Her employment with Mlle de Varandeuil does not shield her from the world's cruelties, as her own naivety leads to further exploitation by those around her, including her family.

Germinie's profound longing for love, both physical and emotional, consistently leads her into destructive situations. Her relationships are fraught with imbalance and manipulation, particularly with M. Jupillon, a much younger man who becomes her lover but eventually abandons her. This repeated pattern of seeking affection while enduring abuse and betrayal drives her to alcoholism. Tragically, Germinie dies from pleurisy after a long wait in the rain, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jupillon, her former lover, underscoring her desperate and unfulfilled quest for love.

Mlle de Varandeuil

Mlle de Varandeuil (vah-rahn-DEW-yeh) is presented as an elderly spinster with limited social connections and financial resources. She becomes Germinie’s employer and, due to her advanced age and reluctance to find a new servant, overlooks Germinie's flaws, including her alcoholism. Mlle de Varandeuil remains blissfully ignorant of the depth of Germinie's personal struggles during her lifetime, only becoming aware of the true extent of her maid’s hardships and frustrations after Germinie's death. Her character reflects the themes of oblivion and indifference that pervade the relationships around Germinie.

M. Jupillon

M. Jupillon (zhew-pee-YOHN) is a youthful man who captivates Germinie despite their significant age difference. He exploits her emotional vulnerabilities, entering into a romantic relationship with her and fathering a son who tragically dies in infancy. Jupillon's self-serving nature is further revealed when he abandons Germinie for another woman, yet he continues to manipulate her by taking her money to avoid military service. His relationship with Germinie is emblematic of the exploitative dynamics she repeatedly finds herself in, driven by her quest for affection and acceptance.

Mme Jupillon

Mme Jupillon, the mother of M. Jupillon, owns a dairy store near Mlle de Varandeuil's residence. She also takes advantage of Germinie's benevolence and willingness to assist, utilizing her labor in the store. This exploitation adds another layer to Germinie's series of relationships where her kindness is repeatedly abused by those who should offer support instead of taking advantage.

M. Gautruche

M. Gautruche (goh-TREWSH) is another figure in Germinie’s life, serving as an object for her affections. His surprise when Germinie declines his marriage proposal highlights her complex emotional needs and her inability to form healthy, reciprocal romantic relationships. Their parting illustrates Germinie's pattern of rejecting genuine offers of commitment while being drawn to more harmful relationships.