Rodolph

Rodolph (roh-DOHLF) is the grand duke of Gerolstein, a modest German principality. As the central figure of this intricately woven romance, his early life was marred by a clandestine morganatic marriage to a striking yet malevolent woman. His father annulled this union, leading to a bitter confrontation in which Rodolph threatened his father’s life, resulting in his exile. His infant daughter was later reported dead. Now serving as duke, Rodolph navigates the streets of Paris incognito. During his ventures, he befriends a troubled girl, eventually realizing she is his daughter, Fleur-de-Marie. After enduring numerous hardships, largely orchestrated by her scheming mother, father and daughter are joyfully reunited. Eventually, Rodolph marries Clémence d’Harville, a long-time love, and returns to Germany with his wife and daughter.

Fleur-de-Marie

Fleur-de-Marie (flewr deh mah-REE), the daughter of Rodolph, was raised by criminals who coerced her into a life of crime. Despite her circumstances, Rodolph perceives her inherent goodness and innocence. She becomes a target of her mother Lady Sarah Macgregor's dangerous schemes, leading to her kidnapping and near-death experience. Reunited with Rodolph, she experiences temporary happiness. However, haunted by her past misdeeds, she chooses to enter a convent. Her virtuous nature leads to her immediate election as abbess, but the overwhelming honor, coupled with her fragile health, results in her untimely death that very night.

Lady Sarah Macgregor

Lady Sarah Macgregor, Rodolph's morganatic spouse, embodies ambition and malice. She entrusts her infant daughter to her lawyer, who falsely claims the child has died. Later, aware of Rodolph's position as duke, she plots to introduce a girl as her daughter, hoping for reconciliation. Her machinations culminate in her being fatally stabbed by a criminal she had hired. In a final act of redemption, Rodolph remarries her on her deathbed, legitimizing Fleur-de-Marie.

Clémence d’Harville

Clémence d’Harville (klay-MAHNS dahr-VEEL), trapped in an unhappy marriage with one of Rodolph's companions, becomes a target for Lady Sarah’s plots. Her husband's selfless act of a staged accident to atone for his wrongs frees her from further misery. She independently assists Fleur-de-Marie, paralleling Rodolph’s efforts. Upon Lady Sarah's demise, Clémence and Rodolph unite in marriage.

Jacques Ferrand

Jacques Ferrand (zhahk feh-RAH[N]), a deceitfully pious and malevolent lawyer, is employed by Lady Sarah to eliminate her daughter and later to procure a stand-in. Rodolph manipulates him into founding numerous charitable institutions. Left penniless, Ferrand succumbs to despair and dies.

Madame Georges

Madame Georges (zhohrzh), deserted by her criminal husband who absconded with their son, finds solace and support from Rodolph. She tenderly cares for Fleur-de-Marie on her farm, offering the girl a glimpse of redemption and normalcy.

La Chouette

La Chouette (shew-EHT), a grotesque, one-eyed criminal from Paris, is hired by Ferrand to abduct Fleur-de-Marie. Acting on her own ambitions, she later commits burglary and murder against Lady Sarah.

The Schoolmaster

The Schoolmaster, a notorious Parisian criminal under Ferrand's employ, is revealed as Madame Georges’ estranged husband. His criminal activities culminate in the murder of La Chouette, leading to his imprisonment.

Rigolette

Rigolette (ree-goh-LEHT), a compassionate and diligent young woman, shares a deep bond with Fleur-de-Marie from their days in prison. Her lover, whose freedom is facilitated by Rodolph, is discovered to be Madame Georges’ long-lost son. The couple marries and shares a joyful life alongside Madame Georges.

Sir Walter Murphy

Sir Walter Murphy serves as the loyal attendant to the young duke, accompanying him in unraveling the secrets hidden within the Parisian streets.

Cecily

Cecily (say-see-LEE), a stunning woman fallen into vice, receives her freedom from Rodolph who places her as a spy in Ferrand’s household. She provides invaluable intelligence, notably revealing his daughter's true identity.

Polidori

Polidori (poh-lee-doh-REE), a wicked tutor, is enlisted by Lady Sarah to attempt to corrupt the young Rodolph’s mind, furthering her nefarious objectives.