Giovanni’s Room Characters

The narrator and protagonist of Giovanni’s Room, David is a man in his mid-20s living in Paris. A handsome blonde American, he stands out in Paris as desirable and innocent, though the gay men… read analysis of David

Giovanni is a young, attractive Italian man living in Paris, and the first man with whom David has a long-term relationship. When his first child died in the womb, Giovanni cursed God and decided to… read analysis of Giovanni

Hella is an American woman living in Europe, and David’s fiancée. Hella is an intelligent and kind woman who decides to travel in Spain alone after David proposes to her. Leaving him in Paris… read analysis of Hella

Jacques is an older gay man living in Paris. A wealthy American businessman, Jacques was born in Belgium and now leads a somewhat lavish life in France, where he hosts orgies and often has relationships… read analysis of Jacques

David’s father is an American man who, along with his sister, Ellen, raises David. After David’s mother dies when he’s only five, his father devotes himself to him, though he doesn’t know how… read analysis of David’s Father

Joey is David’s childhood friend, and the first male with whom David has a sexual encounter. Spending all of their time together over one summer, David and Joey kiss and explore each other’s bodies… read analysis of Joey

Ellen is David’s aunt and his father’s sister. After David’s mother dies, Ellen comes to live with him and his father, eventually becoming critical of his father’s parenting because he drinks and stays… read analysis of Ellen

Sue is an American woman living in Paris. Although she doesn’t run in the same circles as David, he’s familiar enough with her to know that he would never find her attractive. Nevertheless, he… read analysis of Sue