Who Manon Lescaut is
Manon Lescaut is about sixteen when des Grieux meets her at an inn in Amiens. Her family is sending her to a convent, but she does not want that life. Warm, quick and unafraid, she agrees to leave with him for Paris.
What Manon Lescaut wants
Manon wants love, but she also wants the comfort and security that money can provide. In Paris she enjoys dresses, theaters and good dinners, while des Grieux is happy to pay. When his money runs short, the wealthy financier M. de B. offers pleasures he cannot afford.
Manon Lescaut and the others in the story
Manon accepts M. de B.'s offer, yet seems to believe she can keep both lives going. Des Grieux feels betrayed, but he cannot hate her and continues to forgive her. Her attachment to him exists alongside desires she cannot readily give up.
We see Manon only through des Grieux's account, rather than through direct access to her thoughts. His love and anger shape her portrait, leaving room to question how fully he understands her.
Questions
Who is Manon Lescaut?
Manon Lescaut is a young woman whose relationship with des Grieux draws him away from his planned religious life.
Is Manon Lescaut cruel?
Manon is not presented as cruel, though her choices hurt des Grieux. Her poverty and desire for comfort complicate the judgment readers make of her.