Humanity is the real hero of Germinal. However, here are some of the specific characters of the novel.
It is through these characters that History acts!
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Bourgeoisie
In 19th-century Socialist terms, these are those who live by investment, profession and trade, and they (appropriately) live in the main town of Montsou. Note that, in European terms, though some can be quite wealthy, none of them are literally aristocrats.
Proleteriat
Literally "propertyless." The concept comes from Ancient Rome. In Socialist terms this means that they derive their income from labor, especially unskilled manual labor.
Étienne Lantier
- Beware the Nice Ones: Étienne is generally polite, kind and helpful. Under enough provocation, he is capable of homicidal rage.
- In the Blood: As a Macquart, Étienne has a weakness for strong drink and a tendency toward violence when drunk. He is well aware of this, and keeps it well under control most of the time.
