Bel Ami: Figuren, Zeitleiste und Orte

Struggling to afford food, Duroy meets Forestier, who offers money and help entering journalism.

Duroy interests Walter with his account of Algeria and receives a request for an article.

Madeleine helps Duroy write his article, and Forestier secures him a reporting job.

Duroy leaves his railway job, learns dishonest reporting methods, and struggles to write another article.

Duroy begins an affair with Clotilde, but Rachel’s confrontation leads Clotilde to leave him.

Duroy accepts Madeleine’s friendship, cultivates Mme. Walter, and becomes editor of the Echoes.

A newspaper dispute leads Duroy into a pistol duel with Langremont, and both men emerge unharmed.

Duroy witnesses Forestier’s death in Cannes and offers himself to Madeleine as a possible husband.

Duroy marries Madeleine, adopts a grander surname, and visits his parents with her.

Georges and Madeleine write a successful political article, while reminders of Forestier make Georges jealous.

Georges renews his affair with Clotilde and pursues Mme. Walter, securing a church meeting.

Mme. Walter admits her love, briefly rejects Georges after confession, then meets him in his rooms.

Mme. Walter reveals a Moroccan investment scheme, while Clotilde discovers another woman’s hair and leaves Georges.

Madeleine inherits Vaudrec’s fortune, and Georges demands half before consenting to her acceptance.

Georges envies Walter’s wealth and secures Suzanne’s promise to consult him secretly about marriage proposals.

Georges brings police to catch Madeleine with Laroche-Mathieu and announces his plans for divorce.

Georges and Suzanne elope after her parents refuse their marriage, forcing Walter to consent to avoid scandal.

Georges beats Clotilde, becomes editor in chief, and marries Suzanne in a crowded church ceremony.