The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a classic novel by Victor Hugo that explores themes of love, acceptance, and social injustice through its richly developed characters. Central to the narrative is Quasimodo, a deformed and deaf bell-ringer of Notre Dame, whose tragic existence is marked by rejection and longing for companionship. His unwavering devotion to Esmeralda, a beautiful and free-spirited gypsy, illustrates the complexity of love and sacrifice. Esmeralda, who seeks her family and faces societal prejudice, becomes the object of affection for multiple characters, including the noble Captain Phoebus and the obsessive Archdeacon Frollo, whose misguided desires lead to tragic consequences.
The character of Pierre Gringoire, a struggling poet, adds a layer of comedic relief as he navigates his unrequited love for Esmeralda while inadvertently contributing to her misfortunes. Frollo's descent from a respected clergyman to a figure consumed by obsession serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and moral corruption. Other supporting characters, such as the tragic figure of Gudule and the political backdrop of the Dauphin's festivities, highlight the broader societal issues that permeate the story. This intricate tapestry of characters showcases Hugo's exploration of the human condition, making "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" a profound reflection on beauty, monstrosity, and the quest for belonging.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Victor Hugo
First published: Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831 (English translation, 1833)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Historical
Time: Fifteenth century
Quasimodo (kah-zee-MOH-doh), a bellringer abandoned in infancy at Notre Dame Cathedral on Quasimodo Sunday, 1476, and now deaf from the din of the bells he rings. He is also unspeakably ugly, with tusk-like teeth and a wen over one eye, bristling red hair and eyebrows, and a snoutlike nose. Because of his horrible appearance, the Paris crowd selects him King of Fools for the Epiphany celebrations of 1482. During the carnival, he sees Esmeralda, the gypsy who dances before him. When he is later pilloried and beaten, she brings him a drink. From then on, he is her devoted slave and on several occasions saves her from Archdeacon Frollo, his benefactor. When she is hanged through Frollo's scheming, he hurls the priest from the bell tower, then weeps at the death of the only two people he has ever loved. Years later, when the vault of Montfaucon, burial place of criminals, is opened, a skeleton of a woman in white is found in the arms of a misshapen man with a crooked spine. The bones disintegrate into dust when touched.
Esmeralda (ehz-meh-RAHL-dah), a lovely and kindhearted gypsy who possesses an amulet by which she hopes to find her family. She and her goat Djali dance to earn their living. Attracted to Captain Phoebus after he saves her from kidnapping, she agrees to a rendezvous in a house on the Pont St. Michel. There the officer is stabbed by Frollo, but Esmeralda is accused of the crime. Under torture, she confesses to everything and is sentenced to be hanged. With Quasimodo's help, however, she escapes while confessing to Frollo and takes sanctuary in the church. Gringoire deceives her into leaving when the mob attacks Notre Dame. For a time, she hides in the cell of a madwoman, in reality her mother from whom the gypsies had stolen her. Soldiers of Captain Phoebus' company find her there. Clothed in white, she is hanged at dawn.
Pierre Gringoire (pyehr green-GWAHR), a penniless and stupid Parisian poet who falls in love with Esmeralda. He writes a play to entertain the Flemish ambassadors at the Palace of Justice. Captured later by thugs and threatened with hanging, he is freed when Esmeralda promises to marry him, but the marriage is never consummated. At Frollo's bidding, Gringoire tempts the girl from her sanctuary, and she is captured.
Captain Phoebus de Châteaupers (fay-BEWS deh shah-toh-PEHR), loved by Esmeralda. He reveals to Frollo his rendezvous with her and is stabbed by the jealous priest. When Esmeralda is accused of the crime, Phoebus allows her be tried for his murder because he is fearful for his reputation if he appears. Soon he forgets the gypsy and marries his cousin, Fleur-de-Lys.
Claude Frollo (klohd froh-YOH), the archdeacon of Notre Dame, once an upright priest but now a student of alchemy and necromancy as well as a pursuer of women. Determined to possess Esmeralda, he sends Quasimodo in disguise to seize her. Her rescue by Captain Phoebus makes him try to kill the officer. When Esmeralda is accused of the crime, he offers to save her if she will give herself to him. Failing to possess her, he shakes with evil laughter as he looks down from Notre Dame at her hanging in the Place de Gréve. He is found by Quasimodo and hurled to his death on the pavement below.
The Dauphin Charles (doh-FAHN shahrl), of France, whose marriage to Margaret of Flanders occasions the celebration at the beginning of the novel.
Charles, cardinal de Bourbon, who provides the dramatic entertainment for the visiting Flemish guests.
Tristan (trees-TAHN), who directs Captain Phoebus' soldiers in search of Esmeralda.
Jacques Charmolue (zhahk shahr-moh-LEW), the king's attorney in the ecclesiastical court that tries Esmeralda for witchcraft.
Philippe Lheulier (fee-LEEP lewl-YAY), the king's advocate extraordinary, who accuses her.
Gudule (gew-DEWL), an ex-prostitute whose daughter Agnes had been stolen by gypsies. She has gone mad and for fifteen years has lived in a cell. She fondles constantly a shoe that her baby had worn. When Esmeralda takes refuge there, she produces its companion, and mother and daughter are briefly reunited.