SUZANNE KELMAN
International Best-Selling Author & Awarding-Winning Screenwriter & Playwright
SUZANNE KELMAN
International Best-Selling Author & Awarding-Winning Screenwriter & Playwright
Character Profiles for
The Bookseller Of Paris
Madeline Valette - Protagonist
She is a resilient and intelligent young woman who is born and raised in the vibrant heart of Paris. She owns L’Élégance de l’Encre, a quaint and cherished bookshop nestled at the corner of Rue de la Pompe and Avenue Foch. Growing up surrounded by the comforting scent of aged leather and the musty pages of countless books, Madeline develops a deep love for literature and history.
After the untimely death of her American husband, Alex, from cancer, Madeline finds solace in the familiar embrace of her bookshop. Alex had been her rock, and losing him leaves a gaping void in her life. Despite her grief, she continues to run the bookshop, which has become a sanctuary for her and the local community. As the Nazi occupation begins to suffocate the city she loves, Madeline is determined to do her part in the fight against tyranny. She takes on the codename Story Keeper and joins the Resistance, using her bookshop as a covert base of operations.
Jacob Weiss - Love Interest
Comes from a lineage of groundkeepers. Both his father and grandfather worked on the estate of Eichenwald. When the Jewish family who owned the estate was forced to leave, Jacob felt a profound sense of duty to protect their legacy. This sense of responsibility and dedication to preserving history drew him to his current role. Despite the turmoil of war, Jacob remains steadfast in his mission to safeguard the family's treasured heirlooms and history.
Jacob is a man of quiet strength and gentleness. He has a rugged, hardworking nature, evidenced by his calloused hands and practical attire. Though reserved, he possesses a deep well of empathy and kindness, especially towards those who share his love for books and history. His sensitivity and vulnerability bridges the gap between the past and present through his dedication to preserving the written word.
Swift - Supporting Character
Is a determined and brave member of the German Resistance, operates under a covert identity. Her real name, known only to a
select few, is Helene Kraus. Born and raised in Berlin, Helene's life took a drastic turn when she witnessed the rising horrors of the Nazi regime. Her family, once staunch supporters of the German state, were torn apart when her father, an outspoken critic of the Nazis, was arrested; driven by a desire for justice and retribution, Helene joined the Resistance, adopting the codename "Swift" for her agility, keen vision, and tactical prowess.
Swift is resolute, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to the cause. She carries a deep sense of responsibility and an unyielding
commitment to the liberation of her country from the clutches of tyranny. Though her exterior can appear cold and detached, it's a necessary facade to protect herself and those she cares about. Beneath this, she harbors a profound empathy and a strong desire for justice.Dominique Aubert - Supporting Character
She is a sophisticated and resilient woman who hails from the picturesque region of Provence in southern France. Born into a family of diplomats, she was raised with an appreciation for culture, literature, and the arts. Her life took a dramatic turn when her husband, a diplomat, was posted to Berlin just as the political climate in Germany began to deteriorate. As the Nazi regime tightened its grip, Dominique and her husband found themselves navigating an increasingly dangerous and oppressive environment.
With the situation in Berlin becoming untenable, Dominique and her husband made the harrowing decision to relocate to Paris. Upon her arrival, Dominique seeks solace in the familiar comfort of books, finding refuge in Madeline Valette’s bookshop, L’Élégance de l’Encre. Dominique is poised, intelligent, and deeply compassionate. Despite the fear and uncertainty that pervade her life, she remains calm and collected, offering support and guidance to those around her. Dominique’s empathetic nature allows her to connect with others on a profound level, and she is often a source of comfort and encouragement in trying times.
Marcel Lefevre - Antagonist
Marcel grew up in the impoverished quarters of Paris, experiencing hardship from a young age. Raised by an abusive father, Marcel learns to fend for himself on the streets. His tough upbringing leaves him with a hardened exterior and a deep-seated resentment towards the affluent and the privileged. Despite his circumstances, Marcel finds solace in books, teaching himself to read in the dim light of the alleys and developing a voracious appetite for knowledge. When the Nazi occupation begins, Marcel sees it as an opportunity for change. Disillusioned by the inequality he faces in French society, he initially believes the Nazis might bring about a new order that would benefit the downtrodden.
Monsieur Pierre Deveaux - Supporting Character
Pierre is an elderly, distinguished Parisian who is Jewish and witnesses the city’s tumultuous history firsthand. Born and raised in the heart of Paris, Pierre grows up in a family that values education, culture, and resilience. During World War I, he serves as a young soldier, and his experiences on the battlefield instill in him a deep sense of duty and patriotism.
After the war, Pierre returned to Paris, where he builds a life centered around his wife and his job as a tobacconist. As the Nazi occupation of Paris begins, Pierre, now in his twilight years, finds himself grappling with the harsh reality of living under an oppressive regime. Monsieur Deveaux is wise, compassionate, and unyielding in his principles. He is deeply empathetic, often offering solace and wisdom to those in need.
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