Character Relationship Map: The Disenchanted

Characters

• Bêth (played by Judith Godrèche) — protagonist

  The central protagonist, a Parisian high school student preparing for the French bac exam. She navigates family strain, financial dependence on her uncle, and romantic disillusionment. She breaks up w...

• Alphonse (played by Marcel Bozonnet) — protagonist

  Alphonse is an older, marginal man who becomes Bêth's confidant and protector after intervening when another man hurts her. He argues with her about revenge, childhood, sex, patience, and lasting love...

• Rémi (played by Thomas Salsmann) — supporting

  Rémi appears in Bêth's domestic storyline when she encounters him after leaving school. He tells her that their mother is asleep and that the family visitor has not arrived, giving Bêth immediate info...

• Edouard (played by Francis Mage) — minor

  Edouard is a boy Bêth's age whom she meets during her uncertain search for connection. She goes with him to meet his mother, and their relationship is described as tentative rather than secure. His pr...

• La prof (played by Marion Ferry) — minor

  La prof is the teacher whose classroom discussion introduces Rimbaud and the tension between enchantment and disenchantment. Her lesson provides an intellectual frame for the story, echoing Bêth's own...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Bêth → La prof (Professional Student And Teacher) — La prof's classroom discussion provides an intellectual frame for themes that resonate with Bêth's experiences.

  At school, La prof discusses Rimbaud and the struggle between enchantment and disenchantment, themes that echo Bêth's restlessness.

• Bêth → Alphonse (Romantic Confidant And Intimate Partner) — Alphonse becomes Bêth's protector and confidant; their closeness grows, though the final exchange leaves her next choice unresolved.

  Alphonse intervenes after a man hurts Bêth, and their conversations develop into arguments and shared confidences. Their relationship becomes more int...

• Bêth → Edouard (Tentative Romantic Interest) — Edouard offers Bêth a tentative connection that contrasts with her more intense relationship with Alphonse.

  Bêth meets Edouard, a boy her age, and goes with him to meet his mother. Their connection is described as tentative.

• Bêth → Rémi (Family Siblings) — Rémi gives Bêth news about their unsettled home when they meet after she leaves school.

  The plot identifies Rémi as Bêth's much younger brother. He tells her that their mother is asleep and that the man who sometimes visits has not come.

Story Analysis

Bêth moves through romantic uncertainty, family strain, and an increasingly intimate connection with Alphonse, while the ending leaves her next choice unresolved.

Plot Progression

1. Disquiet at Home and School — Bêth argues about proving love, leaves school, and receives news about her unsettled home from Rémi. La prof's discussion of Rimbaud echoes Bêth's own restlessness.
2. Searching for Connection — Bêth tentatively connects with Edouard and goes with him to meet his mother. Warnings about the family visitor keep her home life present as a source of strain.
3. Protection and Arguments — After a man hurts Bêth, Alphonse intervenes. Their conversations turn to revenge, childhood, sex, patience, and the possibility of lasting love.
4. Intimacy and Unresolved Choice — Bêth and Alphonse share confidences, a present, and a poem about change and new love. His island invitation is followed by Bêth's silence at home, leaving what she will do unresolved.