Indiana was written by Amantine Aurore Dupin under the pen name George Sand in 1832. The novel centers around love, adultery, societal expectations, and equality for women. The novel is focused on a young woman, Indiana, who lives in France and is searching for love. Stuck in an unhappy marriage, Indiana looks for happiness outside the constraints of her marriage.

Her husband is Colonel Delmare, a former army officer and unsuccessful businessman. She does not love him and laments the lack of passion in their marriage. In her search for love it turns out that her cousin, Rodolphe Brown (also called Sir Ralph), is in love with her, but she does not see it. At the end of the novel Ralph does come to her rescue and they find love with one another.

Instead, she turns her affections towards her neighbor, Raymon de Ramiere. He does try and seduce her, but the audience learns that he is more than just a kind neighbor. He has already seduced her maid, Noun. Noun went to him when she realized she was pregnant and commits suicide when she realizes he will not marry her.

Indiana leaves her husband to be with Raymon when the colonel decides to move them to Bourbon. Even if the best she can hope for is to be his mistress she would rather be with him, but Raymon doesn't have the same strong feelings for her. He writes her a letter full of promises he has no intention of fulfilling and then marries someone else. He even buys Indiana's house and lives there with his new wife.

Instead, she turns her affections towards her neighbor, Raymon de Ramiere. He does try and seduce her, but the audience learns that he is more than just a kind neighbor. He has already seduced her maid, Noun. Noun went to him when she realized she was pregnant and commits suicide when she realizes he will not marry her.

Indiana leaves her husband to be with Raymon when the colonel decides to move them to Bourbon. Even if the best she can hope for is to be his mistress she would rather be with him, but Raymon doesn't have the same strong feelings for her. He writes her a letter full of promises he has no intention of fulfilling and then marries someone else. He even buys Indiana's house and lives there with his new wife.

Ralph, Indiana's English cousin, is a constant figure of support and love in her life. Ten years her senior, Ralph harbored feelings for Indiana since her youth, cherishing the time they spent together on Bourbon Island. Unlike Indiana, Ralph endured a difficult childhood, neglected by parents who favored his elder brother. This upbringing led him to believe he was undeserving of happiness, a sentiment he carried into adulthood and his own unhappy marriage. After his wife's death, Ralph's devotion to Indiana intensifies. He becomes a protective presence, shadowing her and Delmare to ensure her safety.

Ralph's distaste for Raymon stems from his awareness of Raymon's deceitful intentions. While both Raymon and Delmare underestimate Ralph, dismissing him as unremarkable, his true strength lies in his unwavering loyalty and love for Indiana. It is only later that Indiana recognizes Ralph's steadfast affection, culminating in their decision to live a secluded life together, free from societal judgment.

Noun, Indiana's maid and closest confidante, serves as a parallel to Indiana, yet her journey unfolds differently. While both women share a Creole heritage, Noun is portrayed with "resplendent" beauty contrasting Indiana's delicate allure. The novel subtly implies Noun's Black identity as opposed to...

Colonel Delmare, Indiana's elder husband, is characterized by his brusque and temperamental nature. A retired army officer turned industrialist, Delmare, despite his often harsh demeanor, genuinely cares for Indiana. His efforts to revitalize her spirits by relocating their household frequently demonstrate his concern for her well-being, though he remains oblivious to her emotional needs. Indiana perceives him as a cruel figure, often defying him in silence, rooted in a blend of defiance and fear of his reaction.

Colonel Delmare's gullibility makes him susceptible to manipulation by those who treat him favorably, such as Ralph and Raymon, whom he fears might steal Indiana away. His ignorance of Indiana's true feelings and the machinations around him highlight the tragic disconnect in their marriage, ultimately propelling Indiana toward her quest for true love.

Madame de Ramière, Raymon's mother, stands in contrast to Madame de Carvajal through her unwavering support for both Raymon and Indiana. She serves as a comforting presence for Indiana, especially after Raymon's rejection. On her deathbed, she advises Raymon to marry Indiana, valuing Indiana as a daughter-like figure and recognizing her inherent worth beyond societal constraints. Madame de Ramière's understanding nature and disregard for societal expectations provide a foil to the often superficial judgments surrounding Indiana, highlighting the novel's themes of intrinsic value and freedom.

Madame de Carvajal, Indiana's aunt, initially embodies a nurturing and protective role towards Indiana. However, her loyalty wavers when she becomes aware of Indiana's involvement with Raymon. Convinced that Indiana has tarnished her reputation, Madame de Carvajal distances herself, swearing never to speak to Indiana again. Her fickleness underscores the societal pressures and judgments that influence personal relationships within the narrative.

In her search for love it turns out that her cousin, Rodolphe Brown (also called Sir Ralph), is in love with her, but she does not see it. At the end of the novel Ralph does come to her rescue and they find love with one another.