Thérèse

Thérèse's mother dies when she is very young. Her father brings her to live with her aunt before dying himself a short while later. Thérèse learns to walk quietly and suppress her childish impulses in the house of her aunt and sickly cousin. She is subjected to the same medicines and treatments as Camille, although she is healthy and strong. She is allowed a little extra freedom when they move to Vernon. The country air agrees with her and she loves to go look at the river.

Madame Raquin always assumes that Thérèse and Camille will marry. Madame Raquin depends on Thérèse in this way to ensure that someone will continue to care for her son after she is gone. Once, Thérèse forgets herself and beats Camille when he teases her. However, for the most part...