Characters

The short story “The Kiss” by Kate Chopin has three characters, who become involved in a love triangle: Nathalie, Brantain, and Harvy. Brantain is a shy and wealthy young man, and Nathalie is interested in him because of his wealth and social position. Harvy is Nathalie’s love interest, but he most likely does not possess the fortune that Nathalie dreams about. 

The other character mentioned in the story is Nathalie’s brother, who is a close friend of Harvy’s. 

The conflict between the three central characters is subtle and not stated explicitly. However, readers can sense the underlying tension caused by Harvy’s kiss and by Nathalie’s attempts to have both Brantain and Harvy.

You can read a full characterization of Nathalie, Brantain, and Harvy in the following pages.