Sarrasine characters

Appears from the start

The unnamed first-person observer at a lavish Parisian ball given by the Lanty family. Standing between the warm celebration indoors and the wintry garden outside, he becomes fascinated by a strange elderly guest and later explains the family's history to his companion.

Appears from the start

A fashionable young widow who attends the Lantys' ball with the narrator. Her curiosity about the family's wealth and their secretive elderly relative prompts the narrator to tell her the history of Sarrasine and La Zambinella.

Appears from the start

A gifted and passionate French sculptor who studies under Bouchardon and travels to Rome. Captivated by the opera singer La Zambinella, he mistakes an artistic ideal for a complete knowledge of another person, and his refusal to accept the truth leads to his death.

Appears from the start

An eminent sculptor who recognizes Sarrasine's talent, takes him on as a pupil, and imposes discipline on the difficult young artist. His training helps Sarrasine win recognition and travel to Italy.

Also known as The Lantys' Great-Uncle

Appears from the start

A celebrated Roman opera singer whom Sarrasine believes to be a woman and loves as the living embodiment of beauty. La Zambinella is actually a castrato, since women were barred from the Roman stage. In old age, this same person is the mysterious relative protected by the wealthy Lanty family.

Appears from the start

A wealthy patron who protects La Zambinella. His social circle encourages Sarrasine's mistaken courtship as entertainment, but his men intervene decisively when the sculptor threatens the singer.

Appears from the start

The beautiful daughter of the Lanty household, admired at the Parisian ball for her grace and musical talent. Her family's mysterious wealth is bound to the secret history of their elderly relative, La Zambinella.

Appears from the start

A member of the wealthy Lanty family and one of the elegant young figures at their ball. The family's intense protection of its elderly relative helps create the mystery that draws the narrator and Madame de Rochefide into the old story.