Thérèse Desqueyroux
Thérèse Desqueyroux is the main character and protagonist in the book. She is a young woman who is married to Bernard, whom she doesn’t love, as he doesn’t treat her well. One night, she decided to poison him with Fowler’s Solution, which is a medicine containing arsenic. He survives, and she is forced to pay the price for what she did, being her own husbands’ prisoner. This is where the story begins.
Bernard
Bernard is Thérèse’s husband. He doesn’t love his wife either but doesn’t wish to have her in jail. During her trial, Bernard testified in her defense, making the case drop. Instead of forgiving her for what she did, Bernard locks Thérèse up in a cabin in the woods, where she is isolated from everyone and everything she loves.
Anne
Anne is Bernard’s sister. She is getting married and is kind and generous. She often invites her brother and her sister in law, Thérèse, to visit their house and come to parties. Bernard wants Thérèse to stay alive and healthy, only because of his sister engagement. He wishes to bring her to the party, as that is what’s expected of him.
