OSCAR FRANÇOIS DE JARJAYES The sixth daughter of a general's household, Oscar is raised as a man to carry on her family legacy and service to the Throne.   As a crossdressing noblewoman, Oscar challenges and transforms the social conventions of 18th century France -- exceling in swordsmanship and the arts, commanding the Palace Guards, venturing into high society and Parisian slums.   While her ambiguous sexuality appeals to both men and women, it is her compassion, courage, and charisma that set her apart from the other characters.   As the story continues, she learns to see beyond work and duty, love as a woman, question and accept her femininity.   She also comes to realize the social injustice and lifestyle limitations based on class.   Finally, she abandons her noble title and joins the Revolution in search of a new France.

 

ANDRÉ GRANDIER As Oscar's childhood playmate and confidante, André accompanies his lady knight on numerous adventures, sharing her spoils and stopping her from reckless acts.   Initially a minor character, he gradually assumes on the role of a leading man.   His admiration for Oscar grows into romantic love, and with it comes the harsh reality of their class differences and his handicap.   As a stableman, he can only watch as Oscar falls for her noble friend and nearly marries another nobleman.   Like a shadow, he quietly supports the woman he loves while going blind.   At times he almost loses control and tries to force Oscar to accept his love, only to face rejection and regret his selfishness.   Luckily, his patience wins out in the end.

 

MARIE ANTOINETTE JOSEPHE JEANNE D'AUTRICHE-LORRAINE Based on the historical queen, Antoinette starts out as a naïve girl who thrives on praises and flattery from her courtiers.   Trapped in a titular marriage and rigid role, she tries to escape her loneliness by singing and dancing, gambling and doling out generous favors to her circle of friends.   Despite her advisers' and Oscar's repeated warnings, she continues to sail toward the storm, leaving a trail of enemies and scandals along the way.   It is not until the birth of her first child that she begins to temper her ways and try to reclaim political support.   Unfortunately, her awakening comes too late.   Her earlier missteps become a convenient target of criticism and contribute to her fated death at the guillotine.

 

HANS AXEL VON FERSEN Count Fersen is loosely based on a historical figure who shares the same name and intimacy with Antoinette.   As a Swedish noble visiting France, Fersen meets and falls in love with a woman he cannot ever marry.   Torn between his desires and concerns for Antoinette's reputation, he departs for Sweden and, later, the Americas.   Yet Fersen is more than a lover and object of desire to the women of Versailles.   Armed with a sense of justice, he steps into Oscar's aid many times and captivates her heart.   A loyal confidante to Antoinette, he stays by her side till the very end, risking his life to protect a woman he deeply loves and to revive a political system against his own interests.   Sadly, like his lover, the fictional Fersen cannot escape the fate history has set out for him.   With his bloody death the story draws to a close.