Character Sketch of Madame Loisel

Madame Loisel is the protagonist of the short story "The Necklace" written by Guy de Maupassant. She plays a central role in the narrative and undergoes significant character development throughout the story.

Appearance
Madame Loisel is described as a beautiful woman, but her physical appearance is overshadowed by her obsession with material possessions and her constant desire to be seen as wealthy and fashionable.

Personality Traits
- Materialistic: Madame Loisel is driven by her desire for luxury and material possessions. She yearns for a life of wealth and grandeur, constantly comparing herself to others who are more affluent.
- Dissatisfied: Despite her comfortable middle-class lifestyle, Madame Loisel is deeply dissatisfied and unhappy. She constantly dreams of a more extravagant life, feeling trapped by her modest circumstances.
- Envious: Madame Loisel is envious of those who possess the wealth and status she desires. She is particularly envious of her friend, Madame Forestier, who lives a life of luxury.
- Prideful: Madame Loisel's pride is evident in her refusal to attend a function at the Ministry of Education if she cannot dress in expensive attire. She is unwilling to let others see her as less than perfect.
- Selfish: Although Madame Loisel's husband, Monsieur Loisel, tries his best to please her, she remains focused on her own desires and rarely considers his feelings or needs.

Character Development
Madame Loisel's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially, she is depicted as a discontented and materialistic woman, constantly yearning for a life of luxury. However, when she loses the borrowed necklace and is forced to replace it, she experiences the hardships of poverty and learns the value of humility and contentment.

Conclusion
Madame Loisel is a complex character whose obsession with material possessions and desire for a more extravagant lifestyle ultimately leads to her downfall. Through her experiences, the story explores themes of pride, envy, and the consequences of one's actions.