Catherine de Montsalvy


Catherine de Montsalvy Daughter of goldsmith Gaucher and Jacquette Legoix - one sister Loyse, who chose to become nun	Tried to save Michel de Montsalvy, who was killed by her uncle. Met his brother Arnaud and fell in love forever. Was forced to marry Garin de Brazey and "persuaded" by Duke Philippe to become his mistress.	Beloved Lady of Montsalvy by her vassals. Was loved by many men, but her heart and love belonged only to one man - Arnaud de Montsalvy, whose wife she became. Had many adventures to go through until she finally returned to Montsalvy, vowing to herself she would never leave again.
Arnaud de Montsalvy son of Amaury and Isabelle de Montsalvy - Father died when he was a small child - Captain in the service of King Charles VII	Fell in love with Catherine at first sight, but refused to admit it - had sworn to kill every Legoix - murderer of his beloved brother Michel. Joyfully accepted the whole truth, screamed at him by Bishop Cauchon in Rouen.	Though he loved Catherine with all his heart - his fierce character, easily aroused - made her suffer many a time. When he was on the verge of dying, truly understood what a loving heart was capable of doing. Catherine had won his heart for all eternity.
Michel de Montsalvy Arnaud's brother. Sent into the household of Monseigneur de Berry - their feudal lord. A year later - page in the household of Louis de Guyenne.-	Called Jean de Bourgogne a traiter and spat in his his face. Catherine, with the help of her friend Landry Pigasse, tried to save him from the Parisian mob - hiding him in her father's cellar.	Told Catherine about his home in Auvergne and mentioned his younger brother Arnaud. He was murdered in Paris 27 April 1413 by Catherine's uncle Thomas Legoix, after the Legoix maid Marion had betrayed him
Comtesse Isabelle de Montsalvy, Widow - born of the feudal family Ventadour. Mother of Michel and Arnaud - aunt of Marie de Comborn	Disliked Catherine at first, because she was low born, a goldsmith daughter. However, when she realized how much Catherine suffered, believing Arnaud a leper - accepted her truly and loved her like a daughter and called her a true "Montsalvy"	Adored her grandson little Michel, who reminded her of her elder son Michel who had been butchered at the age of 17 in Paris. Died of a broken heart, believing her son Arnaud was a leper.
Michel son of Catherine and Arnaud de Montsalvy. Born in the Caverns of Ventadour	Inherited his uncle Michel's look and probably also his calmer, but courageous character. Wants to grow up to be a knight like his father.	Was officially recognized as Lord of Montsalvy not quite two years old - when his father was believed never to return. Adored his mother who seemed to him like a creature semi-divine.
Isabelle daughter of Catherine and Arnaud de Montsalvy	Born in Montsalvy after her parents returned from Granada. Has inherited her father's black hair and black eyes - and his character!	Recognized her mother after a long absent - after a painting by Jan van Eyck, showing Catherine as a blond Madonna. When she grew up fought her way to happiness in the horror of the "War of Roses"..(see Quotes)
Gaucher Legoix named Guillaume-Jean in the TV-series - respected and very talented goldsmith in Paris - father of Catherine and Loyse	Was also an officer in the Paris civil militia, with fifty men under his command. Gaucher views were most respected. Was a gentle and peaceable man who loathed violence of any sort. Refused to lead his men against the Kings palace. Was treathened by Caboche to choose the "right side" or he would have to count for the consequences.	Came running back from the house of Pillars when he heard that his house was being looted and pillaged - after Michel de Montsalvy was found in his cellar (he did not know that Catherine had hidden the young noble there) He was hanged in front of his own shop sign and his body thrown into the river Seine.
Jacquette Legoix mother of Catherine and Loyse - originally from Dijon, Burgundy	Was at Landry Pigasse house when the mob entered her house - helping his mother who was in labour - was able to hide with thirteen year old Catherine in the Cours-des-Miracles - while whole Paris searched them.	Went to live with her brother Mathieu Gautherin in the house she grew up in Dijon. Came to Montsalvy to the babtism of her second grandchild Isabelle. Was driven out of Mathieu's house years later by his mistress Amandine La Verne. Was given refuge at Châteauvillain by Comtesse Ermengarde. Died before Catherine arrived in time to see her dying mother.
Loyse four years older sister of Catherine. Abess, Agnes of Sainte-Radegonde of the Benectine convent of Tart	Is kidnapped by Simon the Skinner 27 april 1413 during the riots of Paris- the day her father was hanged. Simon Caboche violates her for weeks. Is freed out of his clutches by Barnaby, Mâchefer (sovereign lord of the sixteen Parisian Cours des Miracles and grand master of all French beggary) and Sara.	Now Abess, Agnes of Sainte-Radegonde of the Benectine convent of Tart. Fifteen years had gone by since Catherine had last seen her. Loyse helped to get rid of Amandine La Verne. When Catherine visited Dijon to visit her uncle.
Mathieu Gautherin - wealthy cloth merchant and wine producer - brother of Jacquette Legoix and Catherine's uncle	Took glady his relatives from Paris into his bachelor household in Dijon and Marsanney. Could not deny anything to his beloved niece Catherine. Helped bring the unknown knight in armour to the Inn - where he met and became friend with Abou-al-Khayr the doctor from Cordoba. Visited Catherine in Montsalvy once.	Fell in love with the beautiful Amandine - also known as a prostitute in Dijon. Was almost killed by her and "brother" Philibert when he refused to marry her. Catherine and Loyse came in time to save his life. Took for his wife Dame Bertille (Symonne Sauvegrain's housekeeper) who looked after him when he was freed from his martyrdom.
Sara Born into a gypsy tribe on the island of Cyprus. Seized by Turks and sold in the market to a Venetian merchant. Sees sometimes glimpses of the future.	Met Catherine in 1413 in the house of Barnaby the Cockleshell. She looked after her and accompanied the three Legoix to Burgundy - a very beautiful woman - somtimes vanishes - but always returns faithfully to Catherine	Became first Catherine's maid, then friend and helped her out of many bad situations. Arnaud de Montsalvy saved her once in Loches, out of a burning house. Now head of the household in the Château of Montsalvy. Only one Arnaud ever feared.
Bernard de Calmont d'Olt Abbot of the monastery in Montsalvy Representative Lord of Montsalvy.	Helped re-build the château of Montsalvy and took charge of everything when Comtesse Isabelle de Montsalvy was dying. Agreed to look after little Michel when Catherine went in search of Arnaud - who had gone to Compostela - on a Pilgrimage, hoping to be cured of lepra.	Supported Catherine in everything and loved her like a daughter. He tutored little Michel and was very courageous when Montsalvy was under siege, after their Lord had gone to Paris to fight against the English. When the plague raged in Montsalvy, came to her rescue when Catherine, Sara and Josse were locked in the château of Montsalvy by brother Anthieme, his surrogate - (the abbot had been very sick for some time and not able to see what was going on in Montsalvy)
Marie de Comborn from Ventadour Arnaud's cousin his mother's niece	Isabelle de Montsalvy's niece who came to stay with her - keeping her company. She had been bored at home! Was in love with her cousin saying she had loved him since she could feel anything. Hated Catherine at first sight.	Marie de Comborn tried to kill little Michel when he was only a few weeks old! She sent Escornboeuf, a soldier who hated Arnaud, to kill Catherine.( She was saved by Gauthier Malencontre) When Arnaud went away after he thought he was a leper, the first time..he took her with him - and killied her with the Montsalvy dagger. But returned to Catherine to tell her why he had left - afraid she might return to Philippe of Burgundy!
Saturnin Garrouste Bailiff of Montsalvy Donatienne his wife	Catherine meets the old Bailiff of Montsalvy, when she arrives the first time at Montsalvy. Her mother-in-law Countess Isabelle, was given shelter in his humble house, after the Montsalvy castle had been razed to the ground by the King's order.	Very faithful servants of the Montsalvy. Arnaud de Montsalvy was very fond of Saturnin and his wife Donatienne. When introducing him to Catherine his words were: "He looks like a peasant, but there is more to him than meets the eye. He brought us up, Michel and me... almost like our own mother..."
Etienne de Vignolles nicknamed La Hire Chief lieutenant of Jeanne d'Arc	Best friend of Arnaud and Jean de Xaintrailles. Meets Catherine at Orléans the first time. Belongs also to the group who wants to save Jeanne d'Arc at Rouen.	Comes to her help when Arnaud is kidnapped by an English soldier. Enjoys a visit to the Montsalvy's during the inauguration of their new château after Arnaud's return from Granada. Tried also in vain to free Jeanne d'Arc.
Jean de Xaintrailles A noble from Gascon - one of Jeanne d'Arc's chief lieutenants, together with Arnaud de Montsalvy and La Hire	Best friend with the Montsalvy's and La Hire. Met Catherine the first time, when she came to look for Arnaud in his tent in Arras. Became a close and true friend of Catherine.	Came to fetch Catherine - and asked her help to free Jeanne - who was then prisoner of Burgundy. Went to Château Sully, to rescue his brother-in-arms, out of the hands of La Trémoille. Together with other captains of the King, he fought against the English. Visited the Montsalvy's at their ingauration of the new château of Montsalvy - where he held a beautiful speech in honor of Catherine and Arnaud. Never forgot his friends in Montsalvy
Isabelle de Sévérac Daughter of Baron Amaury de Sévérac Maréchal of France Fiancée of Arnaud de Montsavly	Isabelle de Sévérac was said to be an outstanding beautiful girl. Rodrigo de Villanadrado talks of her beauty when meeting Catherine at the cavern of Ventadour.	The demoiselle Isabelle and Arnaud were to married - a match that seemed to be arranged for some time. But Isabelle died two months before her wedding with Arnaud de Montsalvy. In Arnaud's own words: He tried to love the beautiful girl, but could not forget Catherine.
Landry Pigasse Catherine's childhood friend - Becomes a monk Prior of the good men in Burgundy	flees together with the Legoix's to Burgundy during the riots in Paris 1413. Lives in Dijon and joins first Duke Philippe's "Riders of the Duke's Horse". Becomes a monk and enters the Abbey of Saint-Seine	Catherine meets him years later in Châteauvillain, while Arnaud is gravely wounded - Landry is now prior of the Good Men of the forest. Protects the deathly wounded Arnaud de Montsalvy - is deadly wounded later by the Damoiseau's men. Dies while Catherine comes in search of him...his last words are telling her that Arnaud had survived his head injury...
Barnaby of the Cockleshells Beggar - his home the "Cour de Miracle" - left for Burgundy	met Catherine as a child through Landry. Good friend of Sara. Fled with her family and Landry to Dijon/ Burgundy - where he stayed at "The Tavern of Jacquot-de-la-Mer" as a beggar.	Told Catherine to come to him when in need. Tried to "kill" Garin de Brazey". Garin's pardon comes too late...dies during the torture after his arrest. (Barnaby's role is extended in the TV-Adaption of Catherine, Il suffit d'un amour - he more or less plays also the role of Gauthier the woodcutter (Malencontre or Stongitarm)
Gauthier Strongitarm Descendant of the Viking chieftain Bjorn Ironside. Woodcutter - was taken into the Montsalvy household	Had witnessed the capture of Arnaud by the English. When La Hire wanted him hanged , because he did not believe him - Catherine saved his live. He vowed to serve her - and loved her truly until his dying day.	Served Catherine in his own words as a lab dog! Went with her to Carlat and then Montsalvy. Little Michel loved him dearly. Though Arnaud was jealous of him - he knew the worth of Gauthier. He dies - after they escape from Granada - not fighting against his death - knowing Catherine's heart belonged forever to Arnaud
Abou-al-Khayr Doctor from Cordoba friend of Caliph Muhammad VIII of Granada	Meets Catherine at the inn of the "Grand Charlemagne" - where he saves Arnaud de Montsalvy from a dangerous head injury. Follows Arnaud de Montsalvy to the French court to meet the Dauphin Charles. Becomes lifelong friends with the Montsalvy's.	When Catherine goes in search of Arnaud in Granada - helps his friend to enter the Al Hamra - where her husband is imprisoned. Supports their flight out of Granada and accompanies them to Almeria - promising to come and visit them perhaps one day in Montsalvy.