Madame Perrodon Character Analysis in Carmilla

Laura’s governess who lives with Laura and her father at their schloss. She takes on a motherly role in Laura’s life, as her good nature fills the gap left by the death of Laura’s mother. She comes from Berne in Switzerland, and speaks French and limited English. Laura describes her as fat, middle-aged, and romantic. She cares a great deal for Laura and is enamored of Carmilla, commenting on her exceptional beauty.

Madame Perrodon Character Timeline in Carmilla

The timeline below shows where the character Madame Perrodon appears in Carmilla. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...she was a child, so she lives with her widowed father and her two governesses, Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. Her father is loving and kind, but her existence is solitary... (full context)

Science, Religion, Nature, and the Supernatural Theme Icon

Laura and her father meet up with Laura’s governesses Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. As the governesses converse behind them, Laura and her father admire... (full context)

...few minutes, after which the mother approaches her daughter, who is being watched over by Madame Perrodon . She whispers in the girl’s ear, then kisses her before returning to her carriage... (full context)

...away. The young girl asks where she is and where her mother has gone, and Madame Perrodon reassures her. The girl is glad that no one was hurt, but she cries that... (full context)

...their sitting room. Laura describes the room, which is richly furnished but still feels homely. Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine leave the girl to sleep, and upon returning they comment on... (full context)

...the schloss, Carmilla seeming to have returned to her normal self. They are joined by Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine to play cards. Laura’s father also joins them. He asks Carmilla... (full context)

...she has been attacked by the illness that has been spreading through the surrounding villages. Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine are able to tell that something is wrong, and so Laura... (full context)

...awakens, fearful that Carmilla has been murdered. She runs out and cries for help, as Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine appear, and the three of them knock at Carmilla’s door. When... (full context)

Laura spends the rest of the evening in Madame Perrodon ’s room, and the next morning she informs her father of Carmilla’s disappearance. The entire... (full context)

...sent without informing her—arrives to examine Laura. Laura meets the doctor in the library with Madame Perrodon and tells him her symptoms, which appears to worry him. He asks to see Laura’s... (full context)

...her she is not in any danger and should soon recover. He asks to see Madame Perrodon , and instructs her that she should not leave Laura alone, even for a moment.... (full context)

Laura and Madame Perrodon discuss the reasoning behind the doctor’s strange directions. While Madame Perrodon thinks Laura might be... (full context)

...briefly before returning to announce that he is traveling to Karnstein and that Laura and Madame Perrodon will accompany him. He intends to visit a priest who lives near the grounds, and... (full context)

Laura, her father, and Madame Perrodon depart for their journey at noon, heading towards the deserted town and destroyed castle of... (full context)

...angrier. As they continue on their journey, he begins to tell Laura, her father, and Madame Perrodon about the death of his niece Bertha. Laura’s father asks him to recount the story... (full context)

...a chapel while the General dries his tears. Laura is relieved to hear Carmilla and Madame Perrodon , although they don’t appear. Laura contemplates the story she has just heard, observing her... (full context)

...and forcing him to release the weapon. By the time he recovers, Carmilla has disappeared. Madame Perrodon appears and asks where Carmilla has gone, as she had been standing by the door... (full context)

...happened back at the chapel, and Laura knows he does not intend to. That night, Madame Perrodon and two servants sleep in Laura’s room with her after the priest performs rites. Laura... (full context)