Eloisa: or, A Series of Original Letters Characters — Full List & Who's Who

The heroine, whose first love for St. Preux survives beneath her later identity as wife, mother, and organizer of Clarens.

Eloisa's tutor and lover, intellectually gifted but emotionally unstable, later a traveler and prospective family educator.

Eloisa's cousin, closest friend, mediator, and the most practical voice in the correspondence.

Eloisa's rational, observant husband, who knows her history and attempts to transform the former lovers' bond into friendship.

An English nobleman who becomes St. Preux's loyal friend, rescues him from despair, and tests his conduct.

Eloisa's status-conscious father, whose opposition makes marriage to St. Preux impossible and pushes her toward Wolmar.

Eloisa's affectionate mother, devastated by discovering the secret correspondence.

Clara's husband and a participant in the negotiations surrounding the lovers.

A vulnerable young woman and her beloved, whom Eloisa and St. Preux help establish together.

The younger generation whose care, education, and rescue give Clarens its future-oriented purpose.