Swann's Way: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Swann's Way, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- The narratorThe unnamed narrator recalls childhood at Combray and his longing for his mother's bedtime kiss.First seen in chapter 1
- SwannSwann is a family acquaintance whose fashionable social connections remain unknown to the household.First seen in chapter 1
- MammaMamma is the narrator's mother, whose bedtime kiss he longs to receive.First seen in chapter 1
- FrançoiseFrançoise manages Aunt Léonie's needs and questions during the family's visits to Combray.First seen in chapter 2
- LéonieLéonie is the narrator's aunt, who stays in bed and closely watches her neighbors.First seen in chapter 2
- EulalieEulalie visits Léonie and receives money from her, provoking Françoise's resentment.First seen in chapter 3
- M. VinteuilM. Vinteuil is someone the narrator encounters during his recollections of family routines.First seen in chapter 3
- OdetteOdette introduces Swann to the Verdurins, and her apparent affection pleases him.First seen in chapter 4
- Mme. VerdurinMme. Verdurin belongs to the Verdurins, whose circle demands loyalty and distrusts outside attachments.First seen in chapter 4
- ForchevilleForcheville receives the Verdurins' praise as they turn against Swann.First seen in chapter 5
- GilberteGilberte plays with the narrator at the Champs-Elysées, where her absences make him unhappy.First seen in chapter 7
- Chapter 1
The narrator describes confused awakenings in which bodily memory gradually restores his sense of his surroundings.
- Chapter 1
Memories return to Combray, where magic lantern pictures unsettle his bedroom rather than ease his bedtime sadness.
- Chapter 2
The narrator recalls arriving at Combray, where the church dominates the town and familiar streets stir memories.
- Chapter 2
The narrator visits Aunt Léonie's rooms and helps prepare her lime-blossom drink.
- Chapter 3
The Curé interrupts Eulalie's visit and exhausts Léonie with accounts of church history and local names.
- Chapter 3
Léonie gives Eulalie money, provoking Françoise's resentment.
- Chapter 4
Odette brings Swann into the Verdurins' circle, whose members must reject competing social pleasures.
- Chapter 4
Although Odette's appearance does not attract Swann, her apparent affection pleases him.
- Chapter 5
The Verdurins condemn Swann's reserve and praise Forcheville while Swann remains unaware of their hostility.
- Chapter 5
Swann's nighttime spying takes him to the wrong window, and relief fails to stop his jealousy.
- Chapter 6
Swann meets the Princesse des Laumes at Mme. de Saint-Euverte's concert amid social rivalry and carefully performed politeness.
- Chapter 6
Vinteuil's sonata brings Swann memories of the time when Odette loves him.
- Chapter 7
Excitement over a planned Italian holiday ends in fever, and the doctor forbids travel and theater visits.
- Chapter 7
Playing with Gilberte at the Champs-Elysées makes the narrator long for her and suffer during her unpredictable absences.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- CombrayCombray is the setting of the narrator's childhood memories, including his bedtime sadness.First seen in chapter 1
- ParisParis is the city Swann cannot bring himself to leave without Odette.First seen in chapter 5
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Swann's Way, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Start freeBack to the Swann's Way study guide · Quiz and flashcards
