Dodin-Bouffant
Dodin-Bouffant is the protagonist of the novel. A true gourmet, his whole existence is defined by his love for exquisite food. The character was modeled after Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a renowned French lawyer, and epicure who highly regarded food and dining. Dodin-Bouffant, in the novel, goes to great lengths to find the perfect cook after his original cook, Eugénie Chatagne, passes away. His character is a study of passion, obsession, and the pleasures of the senses.
Eugénie Chatagne
Eugénie is Dodin-Bouffant's cook at the beginning of the novel. Her death propels the plot, as Dodin-Bouffant's quest to replace her is the story's central conflict. Eugénie's character symbolizes perfection in culinary artistry, and her loss represents a deep existential crisis for Dodin-Bouffant.
Adèle Pidou
Adèle Pidou is the cook who eventually replaces Eugénie. Dodin-Bouffant chooses Adèle after an intense and meticulous selection process. She symbolizes rebirth and renewal for Dodin-Bouffant, allowing him to rediscover his love for food and life.
Monsieur Verdun
Monsieur Verdun is Dodin-Bouffant's friend and fellow gourmet, who assists in the search for a new cook. Verdun provides a foil for Dodin-Bouffant, demonstrating a different but equally passionate approach to food and cooking.
