Who is Catherine Maheu from Germinal and what is their importance?

Catherine Maheu is Toussaint's daughter. She is described as tall, thin, and green-eyed. Known for her kindness and compassion, fifteen-year-old Catherine is responsible for her siblings care. She also works in the mines. Over the course of the novel, Catherine becomes involved with Chaval, who forces her into having sexual relations. Catherine dies in the mines with Etienne..... her true love.