Indiana: Analysis of Major Characters
"Indiana: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and relationships of key figures in the narrative, particularly focusing on Indiana Delmare, a young woman grappling with dissatisfaction in her marriage. Indiana is depicted as loyal to her husband, Monsieur Delmare, who is burdened by jealousy and financial ruin. Despite her commitment, she finds herself drawn to Raymon de Ramière, a fickle suitor whose initial attraction wanes, leading to disappointment for Indiana when he chooses to marry another. The story also highlights Sir Ralph Brown, Indiana's cousin and devoted admirer, who becomes a significant presence in her life, especially after her marriage falters. The narrative takes a darker turn with the inclusion of Noun, Indiana's maid, whose tragic fate intertwines with the complexities of love and betrayal. The characters' interactions explore themes of loyalty, desire, and despair, offering a rich tapestry of emotional conflict that invites deeper reflection on their choices and societal constraints.
Indiana: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: George Sand
First published: 1832 (English translation, 1833)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Sentimental
Time: Early nineteenth century
Indiana Delmare (an-dee-ah-NAH dehl-MAHR), a young woman who lives a bored and frustrated existence. She is faithful to her husband but is very friendly with her cousin, Sir Ralph Brown. When Raymon de Ramière begins paying her attentions, she reciprocates, but when she decides to leave her husband to go to de Ramière, she finds, much to her dismay, that he has married someone else. She finally retires to a life of seclusion with Sir Ralph.
Monsieur Delmare, Indiana's husband. He is very suspicious and jealous but never hears of his wife's affairs with de Ramière. He is a businessman, financially ruined, who retires to the Isle of Bourbon. It is at this point that Indiana leaves him.
Rodolphe Brown (roh-DOHLF), called Sir Ralph, Indiana's faithful admirer and cousin. He is a frequent guest in the Delmare house and a trusted friend, and he is very fond of Indiana. After Indiana runs away from her husband and finds that de Ramière is married, she meets Sir Ralph and they decide on a suicide pact. They change their minds, however, and go away to live together as recluses.
Raymon de Ramière (ray-MOHN deh rahm-YEHR), Indiana's lover. He is a scoundrel who is found climbing over the Delmare's wall one night. He has actually come to visit Indiana's maid; but once he has met Indiana, he tires of the maid and begins to pursue her mistress. He is fickle, and when Indiana leaves with her husband for the Isle of Bourbon, he marries someone else.
Noun (newn), Indiana's maid. She has been de Ramière's mistress for some time before he meets Indiana. She finds that she is pregnant, and she commits suicide because de Ramière refuses to marry her.