Bel Ami characters

Appears from the start

An ambitious former cavalryman living in near-poverty in Paris. Handsome, forceful, and socially adaptable, he has little education or literary skill but quickly learns to use charm, journalism, and other people's influence to advance himself.

Appears from the start

An old army acquaintance of Duroy's who has become political editor of La Vie Française. Though chronically ill, he is established in the Parisian press and gives Duroy the introduction that opens a new career to him.

First appears in chapter 2

Charles Forestier's intelligent, composed wife. She understands politics and journalism better than many of the men around her, cultivates useful connections, and readily helps Duroy shape his first newspaper article.

Also known as Madame de Marelle

First appears in chapter 2

A lively married friend of Madeleine Forestier. Less formal than the other guests at the Forestiers' dinner, she is amused by Duroy's rough-edged confidence and becomes one of his most important personal connections.

First appears in chapter 2

Clotilde de Marelle's young daughter, a serious and observant child who is initially wary of Duroy when he enters her mother's social circle.

Also known as Monsieur Walter

First appears in chapter 2

The wealthy owner and managing power behind La Vie Française. He combines newspaper publishing, finance, and political access, and sees enough promise in Duroy to give the inexperienced newcomer a trial assignment.

Also known as Madame Walter

First appears in chapter 6

The newspaper proprietor's dignified wife, known at first for conventional respectability and religious devotion. She receives Duroy within the influential social circle surrounding her husband's paper.

First appears in chapter 2

An aging poet and columnist at La Vie Française. His melancholy reflections on age, desire, and death provide a sober contrast to the younger Duroy's hunger for success.

First appears in chapter 2

A journalist at La Vie Française known for society reporting and for organizing public spectacles. Confident and combative, he belongs to the professional circle Duroy enters through Forestier.

First appears in chapter 4

A practiced reporter assigned to teach Duroy how to gather material around Paris. His casual methods show the newcomer how readily secondhand impressions can be turned into authoritative newspaper copy.

First appears in chapter 10

A deputy and political associate of the Forestiers and the Walters. His access to government affairs makes him valuable to La Vie Française and places him near Madeleine's private political network.

Also known as Suzanne

First appears in chapter 14

The Walters' younger daughter, cheerful, spirited, and accustomed to wealth. Duroy meets her as a member of his employer's family and treats her with the easy charm that has made him welcome in the household.