Frederic Moreau

Frederic Moreau is the main character of Sentimental Education. He begins the book melancholy and unhappy. After receiving a small inheritance, he moves to France to study to become a lawyer, but he becomes distracted with writing, his friends and his desire for Marie Arnoux. Frederic's main animating interest throughout the first half of the book is his obsession with Marie. He befriends Jacques, her husband, just to get close to her; but when he finally gets close enough to confess his feelings, she rejects him. Frederic inherits a great deal of money towards the middle of the book and uses his new wealth to enter high society, which embroils him in intrigue. At one point, he has four love interests - a relationship with Rosanette, an affair with Madame Dambreuse, a paused marriage plan to Louise Roque and his continuing romantic attachment to Marie Arnoux. Towards...