Ball of Fat characters

Also known as Boule de Suif, Élisabeth Rousset

Appears from the start

A prosperous sex worker traveling out of occupied Rouen in a coach with nine other French passengers. Her nickname refers to her short, rounded appearance. Though the respectable travelers initially despise her profession, she proves generous with the food she has prepared and uncompromising in her hostility toward the Prussian occupiers.

Appears from the start

A wine merchant from Rouen traveling with his wife. Cheerful, vulgar, and commercially shrewd, he uses jokes to ease discomfort while quickly judging every situation by his own convenience.

Appears from the start

The wine merchant Loiseau's forceful and practical wife. She shares the other respectable passengers' contempt for Élisabeth while readily accepting her generosity when hunger overcomes social distance.

Appears from the start

A wealthy cotton manufacturer and prominent local citizen traveling with his wife. His economic standing places the couple among Rouen's affluent bourgeoisie, and he expects money and status to insulate him from disorder.

Appears from the start

The young, refined wife of the manufacturer Carré-Lamadon. She belongs to the coach's socially approved company and participates in its shifting response to Élisabeth.

Appears from the start

An aristocratic landowner traveling with his countess. Urbane and controlled, he assumes a natural authority among the passengers and presents self-interest in the language of reason, courtesy, and historical precedent.

Appears from the start

The Count's socially assured wife, whose family and manners reinforce the couple's aristocratic position. She maintains polite distance from Élisabeth except when shared need makes familiarity useful.

Appears from the start

A bearded republican and political radical, known in Rouen for spending long hours in cafés and for loudly opposing the Empire. He travels alone and stands outside the three respectable married couples, though his principles do not make him immune to the group's selfishness.

Appears from the start

Two Roman Catholic sisters traveling together on religious duties. One is elderly and marked by illness; the other is younger and sturdier. Their calm acceptance of hardship and moral authority make their views influential within the stranded party.

Appears from the start

The Prussian officer commanding at the inn where the coach is stopped. He remains personally distant from the travelers but uses military power to prevent their departure while privately making a demand of Élisabeth.