Diary of a Chambermaid

An elegant and perceptive Parisian chambermaid who enters a provincial estate seeking steady work. She moves through the household with a cautious poise, aware of the power dynamics between her employers and the staff. Her intelligence and social acumen enable her to pursue autonomy while navigating attention from men like Rabour and Joseph. As suspicion falls on Joseph, she pursues evidence and contemplates escape back to Paris.

A fastidious groom who spends his evenings writing nationalist, anti-Semitic leaflets. He exerts a controlled, dangerous influence over the household and pursues Célestine with a blend of charm and menace. His fixation on desire, status, and control leads to violent lines and a possible murder. When the toe plate is found, he faces arrest and denial about wearing those shoes.

The elderly patriarch who treats Célestine with a mix of favoritism and possessiveness. He defends her from his ambitious daughter and exerts control through small gestures and commands. His sudden death—clutching his boots—sends shock through the household and unravels the delicate balance of power. This loss exposes the underlying tensions and secrets within the estate.

The sharp, controlling mistress who runs the household and insists on strict propriety. Her distance from her husband and rigid management create a tense atmosphere ripe for resentment. She clashes with Rabour and his staff, shaping the social climate of the estate. Her role embodies how status and gender norms govern private life.

A retired neighbor who embodies pride and a code of honor. He enters into a volatile dynamic with Madame Monteil and Rabour, and sees Célestine as an opportunity for social ascent. He is involved in the feud and reveals the town's murkier politics as he interacts with Rose. His proposal to Célestine and the shifting ends show his willingness to leverage relationships for security.

The former housekeeper who was fired by Mauger after years of service. Her absence lingers as a symbol of change in the household. She represents the quiet, loyal labor that sustains the estate.