Madame Tellier

Madame Tellier is the owner and operator of Madame Tellier's house, a local brothel located in the Normandy countryside. Madame Tellier initially inherited the house from her uncle, and ran the business with her husband. After his death, she maintains the business and her reputation in the neighborhood. Though her profession is regarded with disdain in other areas of the country, in her particular village, Madame Tellier is respected and loved. People see her as good natured, kind, and generous. Even the five women who work for her can find nothing bad about her character.

Madame Tellier has a brother named Joseph Rivet. He lives in Virville, the village where he and Madame Tellier grew up, with his wife and daughter, Constance. When Madame Tellier receives her brother's invitation to attend her niece and goddaughter's confirmation ceremony, she is unsure what to do. She wants to attend...