"Flaubert's Parrot" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Julian Barnes' novel "Flaubert's Parrot," the protagonist, Geoffrey Braithwaite, is obsessed with Gustave Flaubert, the renowned French writer. While Geoffrey serves as the narrator and central character of the book, other characters such as Louise Colet, Felicite, and Emma Bovary appear in relation to Flaubert's life and works.

Character Descriptions

Geoffrey Braithwaite

Geoffrey Braithwaite is an aging doctor who has a fascination with Gustave Flaubert. He is portrayed as a complex character who is deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Héloïse. Geoffrey's obsessive nature is reflected in his extreme attention to detail and meticulous research on Flaubert's life.

Louise Colet

Louise Colet is a historical figure and Flaubert's lover. In the novel, she corresponds with Geoffrey, providing insights into Flaubert's personality and relationships. Barnes portrays Louise as a talented poet who is overshadowed by Flaubert's success.

Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert is the famous French author known for his masterpiece "Madame Bovary." In "Flaubert's Parrot," he appears as a historical figure and is depicted through Geoffrey's extensive analysis of his life and literary works. Flaubert is characterized as a meticulous writer who values art above personal connections.

Felicite

Felicite is a fictional character created by Flaubert in his short story "A Simple Heart." She is portrayed as a devoted and simple-minded servant who becomes a symbol of unwavering loyalty and innocence. Geoffrey's exploration of Felicite's character serves as a parallel to his understanding of Flaubert.

Emma Bovary

Emma Bovary is the protagonist of Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary." While she does not directly appear in "Flaubert's Parrot," her character is discussed extensively by Geoffrey in his analysis of Flaubert's writing and his interpretations of Emma's motivations and actions.

Character Traits

Geoffrey Braithwaite:

• Obsessive
• Analytical
• Reflective
• Detail-oriented

Louise Colet:

• Talented
• Ambitious
• Frustrated
• Passionate

Gustave Flaubert:

• Meticulous
• Artistic
• Contemplative
• Detached

Felicite:

• Devoted
• Simple-minded
• Loyal
• Innocent

Emma Bovary:

• Romantic
• Restless
• Idealistic
• Dissatisfied

Character Background

Geoffrey Braithwaite:

Geoffrey Braithwaite is a retired doctor who presents as a slightly eccentric and introspective character. He once travelled to France with his deceased wife, Héloïse, who had a particular interest in Flaubert. This trip sparked his fascination with both Flaubert and the fictional characters the writer created.

Louise Colet:

Louise Colet was a 19th-century French poet who had an affair with Gustave Flaubert. She was known for her own literary aspirations but lived in constant comparison to Flaubert's success. Their tumultuous relationship informs much of the understanding of Flaubert's personality.

Gustave Flaubert:

Gustave Flaubert was born in France in 1821 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of his time. He had a meticulous writing style and was famous for his perfectionism. Flaubert's work, especially "Madame Bovary," challenged societal norms and explored the complexities of human emotions.

Felicite:

Felicite is a character in Flaubert's short story "A Simple Heart." She is a devoted servant whose simple pleasures and undying loyalty make her an endearing character. Her simplicity contrasts with the complexity of Flaubert's work and becomes a subject of analysis for Geoffrey.

Emma Bovary:

Emma Bovary is the central character of Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary." She is a young woman who dreams of a passionate and fulfilling life outside of her mundane marriage. Emma's dissatisfaction with her reality leads to disastrous consequences. Her character serves as a catalyst for Geoffrey's contemplation on the relationship between an author and their creations.

Character Arcs

Geoffrey Braithwaite:

Geoffrey's character arc revolves around his exploration of Flaubert's life and works as a means to cope with the loss of his wife. Through his research and analysis, he reflects on his own life and experiences, ultimately reaching a better understanding of himself and the nature of human existence.

Louise Colet:

Louise Colet's character arc is intertwined with her relationship with Flaubert. She initially sees him as a mentor and lover but eventually grows frustrated by his inability to fully commit to their relationship. Her arc highlights the struggles faced by female artists in male-dominated literary circles.

Gustave Flaubert:

As a historical figure, Gustave Flaubert doesn't have a character arc within the novel. However, through Geoffrey's analysis, readers gain insights into Flaubert's personal struggles, perfectionism, and the impact of his creations on his own life.

Felicite:

Felicite's character arc is mainly explored within the context of Flaubert's short story "A Simple Heart." Her story serves as a counterpoint to the complexities and disappointments of the human experience portrayed in Flaubert's other works.

Emma Bovary:

Emma Bovary's character arc is not directly depicted in "Flaubert's Parrot" but is analyzed extensively by Geoffrey through the lens of Flaubert's writing. Emma's descent into disillusionment and despair serves as a reflection of the consequences of unattainable desires.

Relationships

Geoffrey and Héloïse:

The relationship between Geoffrey and his deceased wife, Héloïse, is described as one of deep love and shared interests. Her death leaves Geoffrey in a state of grief, and his fascination with Flaubert becomes a way to process his emotions and find meaning in his own life.

Geoffrey and Louise Colet:

Geoffrey's correspondence with Louise Colet serves as a vehicle for exploring Flaubert's personality. Their relationship is both collaborative and opportunistic. Louise provides Geoffrey with valuable information about Flaubert while also seeking validation for her own work.

Geoffrey and Gustave Flaubert:

Geoffrey's relationship with Flaubert is entirely one-sided, as it exists through the lens of his research. Geoffrey's analysis of Flaubert's life and work reflects his deep admiration for the writer and a desire to understand the connection between an author and their creations.

Geoffrey and Felicite:

Geoffrey's exploration of Flaubert's character Felicite demonstrates the importance of understanding the relationship between an author and their characters. Felicite's simplicity and unwavering loyalty offer an alternative perspective to the complexities and disillusionments depicted in Flaubert's novels.

In "Flaubert's Parrot" by Julian Barnes, the characters play integral roles in exploring the intricacies of Gustave Flaubert's life and literary creations. Through the eyes of protagonist Geoffrey Braithwaite, readers gain a deep understanding of Flaubert's personality, the impact of his works, and the complex relationships surrounding his world.