Villette: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in Villette, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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Lucy SnoweThe narrator stays with Mrs. Bretton and observes Paulina Mary’s arrival and distress.First seen in chapter 1
PaulinaPaulina Mary is a motherless child staying with Mrs. Bretton while her distressed father travels.First seen in chapter 1
Mrs. BrettonShe hosts the narrator and warmly welcomes Paulina Mary into her household.First seen in chapter 1
Graham BrettonHe returns to the Bretton household and amuses himself by teasing the solemn Paulina.First seen in chapter 2
Mr. HomePaulina’s father visits to see how his daughter is settling before he leaves the country.First seen in chapter 2
Miss MarchmontShe is Lucy’s demanding employer, whose sickroom becomes Lucy’s world during her work as a companion.First seen in chapter 4
Ginevra FanshaweShe is a passenger who approaches the narrator during the crossing and talks about school and family.First seen in chapter 6
Madame BeckShe runs a school in Villette and employs the narrator despite her lack of references.First seen in chapter 7
Paul EmanuelHe directs the school comedy and coaches the narrator when she must replace a pupil.First seen in chapter 14

Chapter 1
Paulina Mary arrives at Mrs. Bretton’s home and anxiously asks about her absent father.
Chapter 3
Paulina grows attached to Graham before receiving orders to join her father on the Continent.
Chapter 4
Lucy becomes Miss Marchmont’s companion, but her employer’s death leaves her without that friendship and duty.
Chapter 6
After exploring London, the narrator sails abroad and meets Ginevra Fanshawe during the crossing.
Chapter 8
Madame Beck pushes Lucy into teaching, and Lucy overcomes the pupils’ rebellion to gain a better-paid position.
Chapter 10
Fifine breaks her arm, bringing Dr. John into the household, where Lucy recognizes her earlier helper.
Chapter 13
Lucy discovers Madame Beck searching her locked belongings and later helps Dr. John intercept another note.
Chapter 14
Paul Emanuel demands Lucy’s help in the school comedy and coaches her for the unexpected role.
Chapter 15
Isolation and care duties leave Lucy seriously ill, and she collapses after seeking comfort from a priest.
Chapter 16
Lucy recovers in the Brettons’ house and renews her connection with Graham, also called Dr. John.
Chapter 20
Graham abandons his devotion to Ginevra after seeing her mock his mother at a royal concert.
Chapter 22
While reading Dr. John’s letter in the attic, Lucy sees a figure resembling a nun.
Chapter 24
After weeks without news, Lucy visits La Terrasse and discovers that Miss de Bassompierre is little Polly.
Chapter 26
Lucy hides Graham’s letters in a bottle inside the old pear tree and encounters the silent nun.
Chapter 29
Lucy gives Emanuel her handmade watchguard after a quarrel, and their renewed friendship brings her contentment.
Chapter 31
Lucy plans her own school, and Emanuel reveals his secret watch over the garden before the nun appears.
Chapter 32
Paulina tells Lucy that Graham has declared his love in a letter she keeps from her father.
Chapter 34
Père Silas tells Lucy about Emanuel’s lost love and his support of people who depend on him.
Chapter 36
Lucy resists pressure to become Catholic, while Paul comes to recognize the sincerity of her Protestant beliefs.
Chapter 37
Paulina’s father questions Graham and finally approves their marriage.
Chapter 39
Lucy suspects Paul will marry his ward and returns to find a false nun on her bed.
Chapter 40
Ginevra’s letter announces her marriage to Alfred de Hamal and reveals that he impersonated the nun.
Chapter 41
Paul shows Lucy the home and school he has arranged for her and declares his love before sailing.
Chapter 42
Lucy’s school thrives during Paul’s absence, but a destructive Atlantic storm threatens her hopes as she prepares for his return.
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