Madame

Outer characterization

Madame is one of the most intriguing characters in the novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. There is very little known about her, and most of what we have is from Kathy and other characters. Even when Kathy and Tommy finally get to talk to her face to face, Madame reveals little about herself.

Madame’s real name is Marie Claude (Chapter 21, 100%). She is “French or Belgian” (Chapter 3, 34%). Kathy describes her as: “a tall, narrow woman with short hair, probably quite young still” (Chapter 3, 34%) who “always wore a sharp grey suit” (Chapter 3, 34%). In fact, years later, when Kathy encounters her again, she notices Madame is wearing a similar suit and looks almost unchanged (Chapter 20, 86%). 

Madame lives in a house in L...