"The French Lieutenant's Woman" Characters Analysis

Character Analysis: The French Lieutenant's Woman

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," by John Fowles, the characters play crucial roles in the narrative, driving the plot forward and adding depth to the story. Each character brings unique perspectives and experiences, contributing to the conflicts and resolutions that unfold throughout the book.

Character Descriptions

Sarah Woodruff

Sarah Woodruff is the enigmatic and mysterious young woman who has earned the label of "the French Lieutenant's woman" due to her alleged involvement with a French officer. She is perceived as an outcast by the Victorian society in which she resides, with her unconventional clothing and withdrawn demeanor. Sarah's appearance is described as pale, with striking dark hair and melancholy eyes.

Charles Smithson

Charles Smithson is a well-educated and wealthy gentleman who becomes infatuated with Sarah Woodruff. He is a paleontologist who is engaged to Ernestina Freeman. Charles is portrayed as an intelligent and curious individual, torn between societal expectations and his desire to pursue a forbidden romance with Sarah. He is described as having a physically attractive appearance with refined manners and a contemplative demeanor.

Ernestina Freeman

Ernestina Freeman is Charles' fiancée, a beautiful and vivacious woman who comes from a wealthy family. She is the epitome of Victorian femininity, adorned with fashionable attire and groomed to perfection. Ernestina serves as a stark contrast to Sarah, representing the societal norms and expectations of the time.

Mrs. Poulteney

Mrs. Poulteney is a wealthy widow who takes Sarah under her wing and employs her as a companion. She is a deeply religious and judgmental woman, often imposing her beliefs on those around her. Mrs. Poulteney is described as having a stern and rigid appearance, displaying her morals and principles through her demeanor.

Sam Farrow

Sam Farrow is a local fisherman who becomes involved with Sarah Woodruff. He is a simple and honest man who develops strong feelings for her. Sam serves as a grounding force and a symbol of authenticity in contrast to the complex relationships and societal constraints faced by other characters.

Mary and Charles Smithson

Mary and Charles Smithson are Charles' parents. They come from a privileged background and uphold the expectations of proper Victorian society. While they play a relatively minor role in the narrative, their interactions with Charles offer insights into the societal pressures he faces.

Character Traits

Sarah Woodruff

• Mysterious
• Introverted
• Resilient
• Independent
• Melancholic

Charles Smithson

• Intelligent
• Curious
• Conflicted
• Romantic
• Observant

Ernestina Freeman

• Sociable
• Fashionable
• Traditional
• Materialistic
• Superficial

Mrs. Poulteney

• Religious
• Judgmental
• Stern
• Rigid
• Authoritative

Sam Farrow

• Honest
• Loving
• Simple
• Genuine
• Compassionate

Character Background

Sarah Woodruff

Sarah Woodruff's past is shrouded in mystery, making her a subject of gossip and speculation in Lyme Regis. Her involvement with a French lieutenant and subsequent abandonment has led to her social isolation. Sarah's experiences have left her emotionally scarred, leading to her withdrawn nature and reputation as an outcast.

Charles Smithson

Charles Smithson comes from a privileged background, being the son of respectable parents. He excelled in his studies and embarked on a career as a paleontologist. However, his encounter with Sarah Woodruff challenges his perception of societal norms and forces him to confront his desires and emotions.

Ernestina Freeman

Ernestina Freeman hails from a wealthy and well-connected family. She conforms to the expectations of Victorian femininity, aiming to secure a promising future through her engagement to Charles. Her life revolves around conforming to social standards, and her relationship with Charles becomes a means of validating her beliefs and aspirations.

Mrs. Poulteney

Mrs. Poulteney inherited her wealth and status following her husband's death. Her strong religious beliefs and personal tragedy led her to adopt Sarah Woodruff as a companion, albeit with ulterior motives. Mrs. Poulteney's role in Sarah's life is characterized by the manipulation of power and control.

Sam Farrow

Sam Farrow is a local fisherman who lives a modest life, content with the simplicity of his occupation and a close-knit community. His encounter with Sarah ignites a tender and genuine connection, challenging the expectations of class and societal divisions prevalent during the Victorian era.

Character Arcs

Sarah Woodruff

Sarah Woodruff's character arc evolves from a withdrawn and tormented outcast to a liberated woman who defies the societal conventions enforced upon her. She finds solace in her relationship with Charles and eventually asserts her independence, transcending her label as "the French Lieutenant's woman."

Charles Smithson

Charles Smithson undergoes a transformation from a man bound by societal expectations to one who embraces his desires and confronts the limitations imposed upon him. His love for Sarah leads him to question rigid Victorian values and ultimately alters the trajectory of his life.

Ernestina Freeman

Ernestina Freeman's character arc reveals the vulnerability beneath her materialistic facade. Her engagement with Charles initially promises a secure and socially sanctioned future, but when Charles becomes infatuated with Sarah, Ernestina grapples with her own self-worth and identity.

Mrs. Poulteney

Mrs. Poulteney's character arc demonstrates the limitations of misguided religious fervor. Her attempts to control Sarah and assert her authority eventually lead to a reevaluation of her own beliefs and the consequences of her actions.

Sam Farrow

Sam Farrow's character arc depicts the enduring power of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for it. His unrequited love for Sarah and willingness to help her escape from the confines of society ultimately leads to his own emotional growth and self-discovery.

Relationships

Sarah Woodruff and Charles Smithson

Sarah and Charles' relationship serves as the central focus of "The French Lieutenant's Woman." Their forbidden love challenges societal norms and expectations. Their connection is marked by passion, self-discovery, and a shared desire to break free from the constraints of Victorian society.

Charles Smithson and Ernestina Freeman

Charles' engagement to Ernestina symbolizes the conventional path laid out for him by society. However, his growing affection for Sarah introduces conflict and forces him to evaluate the authenticity of his relationship with Ernestina.

Sarah Woodruff and Mrs. Poulteney

Sarah's relationship with Mrs. Poulteney is one of control and manipulation. Mrs. Poulteney sees Sarah as a means to uphold her religious convictions, but it ultimately leads Sarah to challenge societal expectations.

Sam Farrow and Sarah Woodruff

Sam's love for Sarah serves as a tender and genuine connection that blossoms within the confines of their restricted circumstances. Their relationship serves as a contrast to the complexities and constraints faced by other characters.

In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles skillfully constructs a rich tapestry of characters, each contributing to the novel's exploration of love, societal constraints, and personal transformation. The diverse cast of characters engages the readers, allowing them to navigate the complexities of Victorian society through the lens of these multi-dimensional personas.